Star Magnolia Scale

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OldJoe212 Gurnee, IL Jul 16, 2015

Hi everyone. I have a Star Magnolia next to my house (not planted by me), so it must be trimmed annually. This year I noticed Magnolia Scale. I’m spraying it about every other week, so I think I have it under control. Since it’s not that big (old, but not big), it only takes a few minutes to spray it. My problem is with the black mold. It’s all over the rocks below the tree and I was wondering how to clean it up. I was planning on trying Simple Geen just to loosen it up and then rinse it but since the rocks are about the size of walnuts, I can’t blast it too hard. My other thought was to put bleach in a spray bottle and try that. Does anyone out there have any tricks that you’ve had any luck with?

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Diana_K Contra Costa County, CA(Zone 9b) Jul 16, 2015

It will wear off, but it takes time.
You might try some things that are gentler to the plants. A bit of dish soap could break it loose, Simple Green is a good idea, a strong blast from a hose. Yes, little rocks will not tolerate strong spray, but do what you can.

I would avoid chlorine (bleach or related cleaners), not good for plants.

Alternate idea: Rake through the rocks, turn them over. The black stuff is mostly on the top, and once it is in contact with the soil microorganisms will eat it.

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