Question
Black spots
My Live oak about 5yrs old and about 7foot tall has black spots on the branches not on the leaves but when you touch them they just fall of it is all over the front side and not on the back (north side has it not the south)there is also something sticky all over the north side. can you please tell me what this is I have looked all over on line all I find is black spots on leaves but this is not my case.
Thank You
AnswerThese are an insect called scales more than likely Lecanium scales. They live most of their life under a shell like structure attached to the plant twig. They suck the plant juices from the tree and secrete a substance called honeydew that is high in sugar content and is sticky. Since they are protected by the shell they are more difficult to control with spray insecticides. There are systemic insecticides that will control the scales. one of these is a product called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control. It is applied to the soil around the tree and the roots take the insecticide to the twigs and leaves and when the scale sucks the juices it is killed. The spring is the best time to apply this product. It should last through the growing season. Check with your local nursery/garden type store for this insecticide.
Here is a web link to Bayer Advanced.
http://www.bayeradvanced.com/product/Tree-Shrub-Insect-Control/concentrate.html
