Question
Our Magnolia bush is about 10 years old and was doing well until this summer.  There are white fuzzy mounds covering most of all the branches and the branches are turning black and the bush is not doing so well.  We scrapped off one of the mounds and there is a brownish liquid substance underneath.  We were told this is aphids.  We sprayed the bush with an insecticide and there is no improvement.  It looks like its getting worse.  We would surely hate to lose this wonderful flowering bush.  Please help.

Answer
Mary Ann: The black stuff is called "sooty mold" and is a result of insect presence and feeding.  Contact one of your better garden centers for insecticide suggestions.  You might want to carry some twigs with these powdery things w/you to be sure that you are dealing w/aphids.  Sometimes it may take more than one insecticide application as well.

Steve