Question
There are small round white fuzzy patches about pencil eraser size in diameter on some of the branches of my magnolia tree. I can gently lift them off and when I do, the underside of the patches ooze fleshy pink liquid. Is it a fungus? Is there a systemic remedy?

Answer
Dear Linda, Your description is excellent.  You have magnolia scale, one of the largest forms of scale with adults reaching diameters of up to 1/2 inch.  Scale are non-moving insects in their adult form, and are immune to many insecticides because of their protective scale or shell like covering.  The control for these insects is to spray a light horticultural oil or you can use the biorganic oils and spray with that.  The oil kills the insect by smothering it and you can tell when the scale is dead because a moderate stream of water will knock the insects loose from the tree.  You will need to spray several times about a week apart to control these bugs but this method will work.  If you can find it, use SunSpray.  It attaches to your hose and is very effective and easy to use.  Unfortunately, a systemic control method for a magnolia would involve so much chemical and several months to become effective so it would not be a reasonable way to control this.  You should see great improvement by the time you spray three times.  Be sure to spray to the point where the oil begins to drip.  (This is a very safe product to spray.)  I hope this information helps.  Be sure to write back if you have more questions.  Good luck, Melissa