Controlling Magnolia Scale and Sooty Mold

Magnolia scale insects suck sap and excrete honeydew, which feeds sooty mold. Three-step control: (1) Spray neem oil now, covering leaf undersides. (2) Apply a systemic insecticide to the soil in October. (3) In March, wrap twigs with sticky-side-out duct tape; when orange crawlers appear, spray with garden insecticide. Repeat in May if live scales remain.