Magnolia Tree Branches Have White Patches

Question From: Midland, Michigan, United States
Q: I have a 15 year old magnolia tree. It has white patches on alot of the branches. What do I do?

A: <div style="3D&quot;font-size:" 13px;color:="" rgb(0,="" 0,="" 0);font-family:="" ari="al," sans-serif;"="">Lori, It could be lichens - they do no harm so there is nothing to be done. If they are fuzzy they could be a type of scale often called cottony scale. However, they may also be a fungus that can eventually kill the tree. If it were my tree I would have a certified arborist make an onsite inspection for an accurate diagnosis. Spraying a 15 ft tree is no small feat and home sprayers do not have the pressure and the range to get good coverage. Also professionals have access to products not available to homeowners. Best Nancy and Happy Yardening