Protect your trees from destructive pests like magnolia scale, oystershell scale, and pine needle scale.

If you’ve noticed sticky residue, black mold, or unusual bumps on branches, your trees may be under attack by scale insects. Birch Tree Care offers professional diagnosis and effective treatment to keep your landscape healthy and beautiful year-round.

📞 Call us today at 651-317-4080 or request a quote online.

What Are Scale Insects?

Scale insects are tiny, sap-sucking pests that attach themselves to the branches, leaves, or needles of trees and shrubs. They hide beneath a protective shell, making them hard to spot — and even harder to treat without the right timing and expertise.

In Minnesota, there are two main types:

  • Hard scales – tough, waxy shell; cause twig and branch dieback; do not produce honeydew.

  • Soft scales – softer covering; produce sticky honeydew that can lead to black sooty mold.

Common local species include:

  • Oystershell scale

  • Pine needle scale

  • Cottony maple scale

  • Magnolia scale

  • Spruce needle scale


Common Signs of a Scale Infestation

You might not see the insects themselves — but you’ll see the damage they cause:

  • Dieback of twigs and branches

  • Clusters of round or oblong bumps on bark or needles

  • Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves, branches, or nearby surfaces

  • Black “sooty mold” growing on honeydew-coated areas

  • Pale or yellowing leaves and needles

  • Thinning canopy and reduced tree vigor

Magnolia Scale in Minnesota

Magnolia scale (Neolecanium cornuparvum) is one of the largest scale insects in North America and a frequent pest in Twin Cities landscapes.

Identification: Large, oval-shaped insects with a soft, waxy covering. They may have a pinkish or white coating in late summer.
Damage: Heavy infestations drain the tree’s energy, produce excessive honeydew, encourage sooty mold growth, and can cause branch dieback.
Seasonal Timing: Most noticeable in late summer when mature females are at their largest and honeydew is abundant.

Without timely treatment, Magnolia scale can severely weaken and even kill branches, especially on young or stressed magnolia trees.

Life Cycle of Scale Insects

Understanding their life cycle is key to effective treatment:

  • Winter: Scales may overwinter as eggs, nymphs, or adults depending on the species.

  • Spring/Summer: Eggs hatch into “crawlers,” the only mobile stage of the insect.

  • Feeding Stage: Once they settle on a new spot, they form a shell and feed continuously. Some species may produce multiple generations per year in Minnesota’s growing season.

How Birch Tree Care Treats Scale Insects

We use a targeted, seasonal approach to get the best results:

  1. Expert Inspection & Diagnosis
    Our certified arborists identify the type of scale, its life stage, and the best treatment window.

  2. Timing Treatments for Maximum Effectiveness
    We target the vulnerable crawler stage for fast knockdown while also addressing overwintering populations.

  3. Treatment Options (explained simply):

    • Targeted sprays to reach exposed crawlers

    • Horticultural oils to smother insects under their shells

    • Systemic treatments applied to the soil or trunk for long-lasting control

  4. Follow-Up Care
    We recommend seasonal monitoring to ensure the infestation doesn’t return.

Prevention Tips for Scale Infestations

Keep your trees less susceptible to pest damage:

  • Water during dry periods and mulch to protect roots

  • Fertilize as needed to maintain vigor

  • Prune infested or dead branches

  • Schedule regular tree inspections, especially for magnolias, maples, and evergreens

FAQ: Scale Insects & Magnolia Scale

  • Late spring to mid-summer is usually best for crawler-stage treatments, but some treatments work in fall or early spring.

  • Severe infestations can kill branches and, in extreme cases, the entire tree if untreated.

  • Store-bought products often miss the timing or don’t reach hidden insects. Professional care is more effective and safer for your trees.

  • No direct harm, but honeydew and sooty mold can create sticky, unsightly messes on decks, cars, and patio furniture.

Areas We Offer Scale Insect Treatment

Birch Tree Care is your local residential and commercial tree care company providing plant health care services to the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

At Birch Tree Care, we'll treat your trees as if they were our own. Our team of certified arborists care deeply about trees and work safely and efficiently to come up with a treatment plan that is best suited to your plant's needs. 

If you're looking to get a scale insect infestation treated, call us at 651-504-0533 for more information on our service options in your neighborhood.

Scale Insect Infestation Treatment Customer Reviews

“This company is one of the most professional companies I have ever worked with. They were prompt, courteous, efficient, and experts in their field. Birch Tree Care took care of EVERYTHING! No hassle, no headaches! You get what you pay for and these guys are absolutely worth every penny!” - Laura Sykes

“We have used Birch Tree Care for several years and have always been pleased with the prompt and professional service. We were impressed with the skill of the climbing specialists, the excellent work, and the site cleanup afterward. These folks really care about trees!” - Shari Crowe

 

Protect Your Trees from Scale Damage

Don’t let scale insects slowly drain the life from your trees. Our team at Birch Tree Care is ready to help you stop the damage and restore your landscape’s health.

📞 Call Birch Tree Care at 651-317-4080 or request service online. 

Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, the West Metro, and surrounding areas.