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Northwestern Gardening

Japanese snowbell tree

14 years ago

I have a japanese snowbell tree I planted 6 years ago. The last few years I've noticed what seems to be flat black scale bugs all over the tree and white fuzzy spots on the leaves. Some of the branches seem to be turning black and dying. My local garden centre says to dormant spray but that this should not be a problem for the tree but I'm still wondering. What is this? Could it kill the whole tree? What is the best solution to get rid of them?

Thanks so much

First time posting

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Comments (3)

jean001a
14 years ago
Need images please
madrone
14 years ago
Dormant oil spray is a great way to smother scale and is considered an organic spray. CHECK THE LABEL FOR PLANTS THAT CAN'T TOLERATE IT. I have sprayed my Styrax and it showed no adverse results. Don't use it on maples (Acer), nut trees, some evergreens, Cotinus and Rubus. It should be used three times throughout the dormant season. Styrax are usually very clean trees. Try also to top dress your soil under it with some compost and organic fertilizer. Soils rich in microorganisms is vital to having healthy plants.
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mdvaden_of_oregon
14 years ago
Hi. I encounter that type of tree monthly if not weekly sometimes in summer. What kind of basic care does it get?

Is a layer of mulch around the root area?

Is there any reflected heat or light near it, like a wall or window behind it, or a sidewalk on the west side of it?

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