Question
We have a southern Magnolia tree and last year had extensive sap drip and black ? fungus coming from it. From what i have read this is being infected by a bug. There are also excessive bees ? on it? what can i do what is its condition?

Answer
Sounds like aphids. These are small soft bodied insects that suck the plant juices from the leaves and twigs. They excrete a substance called honeydew which is sticky and loaded with sugar. A fungus called sooty mold will grow on this honeydew and give the black appearance. The dripping is also the honeydew. Control the aphids and everything else will disappear. This can be done with an insecticide spray but depending on the size of the tree may take a good pressure sprayer. Small trees can be done with hose end type sprayers but larger trees may take a professional tree pest control sprayer. For do it your self check with your local garedn/ nursery type store for a systemic insecticide for aphids.