penter explained. “So, we should ex- pect a pretty heavy lanternfly nymph hatch in 2026, especially on maples and ornamentals.” Magnolia Scale Tipping the scales at one half-inch, magnolia scale (Neolecanium cor- nuparvum) is the largest soft-scale insect in the US. Even though it is a native insect, magnolia scale contin- ues to be a growing concern in many ornamental landscapes, resulting in an exponential number of calls from homeowners seeking solutions for this problematic pest. “Magnolia scale was very tough for us to control in 2025,” Whisple re- called. “It was a very popular topic for clients as well as sales arborists at site visits.” According to the PHC manager, mag- nolia scale is hard to miss, and the honeydew it drops leads to sooty mold
Magnolia scale is a significant pest of magnolia trees, known for its large size and the sticky honeydew it produces, which can lead to sooty mold growth.
that coats the plants beneath it. That sticky buildup often draws stinging insects, which can be a real concern for families with children spending time outdoors. In addition, the pest’s proliferation has been steadily increasing in re-
cent years, though its future impact on ornamental landscapes remains to be seen. “Populations seemed a bit higher in 2025 than the last number of years, so it will be interesting to see how that trans- lates in 2026,” Whisple concluded.
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ArborTIMES ™ Winter 2026 | 9
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