Scale Treatments by SavATree Insects & Diseases Photo Credit: Moni Hayne DSCF6820 Cottony maple scale on locust Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to branches, twigs, and foliage, feeding on sap and frustrating property owners everywhere. These tiny insects come in two main varieties: Hard (armored) scales have protective covers that are not fused to their body and don't produce honeydew. Soft scale insects secrete a waxy coating and produce copious amounts of sticky honeydew that attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth. Although each individual scale insect causes minimal damage, large infestations of either hard or soft scales can significantly weaken trees and shrubs. SavATree's targeted treatments can manage scale populations while protecting your valuable landscape. Signs of a Scale Infestation Detecting a scale infestation early is crucial for preventing widespread damage. Common signs of scale infestation include: Bumpy or crusty patches: Small, immobile bumps on branches, stems, and the undersides of leaves. These bumps are scale insects feeding on your plant’s sap. Yellowing or wilting leaves: Nutrient loss causes leaf damage that is visible to the naked eye Sticky residue on leaves or beneath trees: Some varieties of scale secrete a sticky, honeydew substance Black sooty mold: Dark fungal growth that develops on honeydew secretions Branch dieback: Progressive decline of twigs and branches, starting from the tips and working downward Premature leaf drop: Trees shedding leaves earlier than normal What Causes a Scale Infestation? Scale infestations typically begin when young insects settle onto new plants during their mobile “crawler” stage. The timing of this stage varies by species and region, which is why monitoring is essential for treatment timing. These pests are often introduced when: Infected plant materials are brought onto your landscape Wind carries crawlers from neighboring infested plants onto your plants Birds occasionally transport scales across your landscape Scale populations thrive in warm, humid conditions and on plants already weakened by drought, poor soil conditions, or other environmental stressors. Once established, many scale species can produce multiple generations per year, with each female capable of laying hundreds of eggs. This complex life cycle is an additional challenge associated with an already challenging pest. Additionally, ants often protect soft scale insects in exchange for the sweet honeydew secreted by the scales. This mutualistic relationship makes infestations harder to control, as ants defend the scales from natural predators. Natural predators like parasitic wasps and ladybugs can help control scale populations, but once an infestation takes hold, professional treatment is typically necessary. How Do Scale Insects Harm Your Trees and Shrubs? Scale insects damage trees and shrubs through continuous feeding on plant sap, which: Depletes essential nutrients and moisture from the plant Reduces photosynthesis capacity, weakening the plant over time Creates vulnerabilities that leaves trees and plants more vulnerable to pathogens and secondary infections Leads to stunted growth and reduced tree and shrub strength Soft scale varieties also produce honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and other pests while promoting the growth of black sooty mold, which further inhibits photosynthesis. Over time, untreated scale infestations can cause significant branch dieback, decline in plant health, and in severe cases, plant death. This is particularly true for young or already stressed plants, which have fewer resources to withstand ongoing damage caused by scale. How to Spot Scale Insects Scale insects are small but visible upon close inspection. They typically measure 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter and have these characteristics: Hard scales: Armored, protective covering that appears as small bumps in various colors (brown, gray, white) Soft scales: Slightly larger, more rounded bodies with waxy or cottony coverings Immobile nature: Adult females remain fixed in one location Clustered growth pattern: Scales are often found in groups along stems, branches, and leaf veins Unlike other pests, scale insects don't move once they've attached to plant tissue. For this reason, many property owners mistake them for unusual growths rather than identifying them as the insects they are, causing many to overlook infestations until damage is apparent. Types of Scale Insects There are over 8,000 species of scale insects. A few of the species that may affect your landscape include: Magnolia Scale: Large, soft scales that secrete significant amounts of honeydew on magnolia trees. In many regions, Magnolia scale is the most notable species to infest your property. Euonymus Scale: Small white or brown scales that target euonymus, pachysandra, and bittersweet plants Pine Needle Scale: White, elongated scales that attack various conifers Tuliptree Scale: Large, convex brown scales that infest tulip trees, magnolias, and lindens Oak Lecanium Scale: Brown, helmet-shaped scales that target oak trees and other hardwoods Cottony Maple Scale: Recognized by white, cottony egg sacs on maple branches in summer The impact of scale insects can be unsightly and can significantly reduce your landscape’s health and vitality. This is why SavATree offers comprehensive insect management solutions that address scale insects and many other potential threats. Where to Find Scale Treatment Near You If you're searching for "bumps on tree branches treatment," "how to get rid of sticky residue on leaves," or "treatment for brown spots on magnolia," SavATree's ISA Certified Arborists can help. Our team specializes in identifying and treating scale insects that cause crusty bumps, sooty mold, and honeydew secretions on your valuable trees and shrubs, and our certified and experienced arborists develop customized treatment plans based on: The specific scale species present The life cycle stage of the infestation The health and species of the affected plants Environmental considerations Our integrated approach includes: Targeted treatment applications: Timed to coincide with vulnerable crawler stages Horticultural oil treatments: Suffocating scale insects while minimizing impact on beneficial insects. Horticultural oil treatments work best when the scale is in its crawler stage, and your arborist will likely monitor for crawler emergence using tape traps and/or phenological indicators. Systemic treatments: For more persistent infestations, systemic treatments control scale from within the plant. Importantly, systemic applications should be timed well before or after bloom to minimize risk to pollinators. Cultural practices: Proper pruning, adequate irrigation, and balanced fertilization to improve plant vigor Biological controls: Our arborists help support natural predators by enhancing habitat conditions for beneficial insects. This measure, and others like it, help keep scale populations in check. SavATree's professional treatments not only address current infestations but also help prevent future scale problems through ongoing monitoring and maintenance programs. Protecting your landscape from scale insects preserves the beauty, health, and value of your property. Contact SavATree today to schedule a free consultation with our certified arborists and to develop a customized scale management plan for your landscape. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an expert arborist.