help with id

[JDT3120]

Anyone know what this is? Grey/white fungus on branches and black soot mold on lower leaves and trunk stems. Also what tree is it? It's more of a shrub than a tree. The home owner insists that it is a mulberry, but I am sure that it is not. Suitable treatment options? Thanks

 

[JDT3120]

another

 

[williamd]

Not a fungus. Looks like wooly apple aphids on a cotoneaster. A cousin of the apple tree. Sooty mold grows on the the honey dew excrement secreted by the aphids as they suck the sap from the phloem. It looks like it anyway. I'm new at this.

 

[robinia]

Magnolia and magnolia scale? Or maybe mealybug.

Wish I could help you with a sure fire cure but all that stuff is illegal up here. I can't even remember what I used to use...

Non-chemical option: Dormant oil, water/soap/isopropyl mix.
Stay away from high nitrogen fertilizers.

 

[JDT3120]

Wow, that was quick! Magnolia scale it is. Thanks Rob

 

[SirTreeRat]

Agreed...Magnolia scale...on Magnolia

 

[JDT3120]

Looks like treatment options are slim, due to the entire tree being badly infected. I will recommend a pruning of the worst areas, a spray down with water/soap/iso, light fertilization, and possibly lady bugs.

 

[guymayor]

[ QUOTE ]
Also what tree is it? It's more of a shrub than a tree. The home owner insists that it is a mulberry, but I am sure that it is not.

[/ QUOTE ]

Right, a deciduous magnolia that might benefit from some pruning and guying to open it up. That would also speed treatment. check roots and mulch of course