Question
We have a beautiful magnolia that is totally infested with scale. I wonder if you could tell me what I could do to get rid of this? It's a very tall tree and I tried to squish as many of these dreaded things as I could reach and ended of with ugly discoloured hands but couldn't reach more than the bottom few branches.  Is there maybe something that could be introduced through the roots? We are seniors and can't afford an expensive service. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Yes there is an insecticide that can be applied to the soil around the tree and the roots will carry it to the twigs and leaves and when the scale insect sucks the plant juices they are killed. BUT I am not sure it can be found in Canada. The insecticide is Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control. Here is the web site that gives more information on this product. Check with your local tree nursery or garden type store for this.  http://www.bayeradvanced.com/tree-shrub-care/products/12-month-tree-shrub-insect...