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Poorly bay tree

joy.heslopjoy.heslop Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi,

 I would be really grateful if anyone could help me with an issue I have with my bay trees.

They are both well established potted bays. Over the past month a reddish brown semi circle shape which is surrounded by white has appeared on the trunk of the bays. I have done some research on google and it suggests it could be scale.

Would anyone have an idea of what this maybe?

Joy

Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    If it is scale, then brush it off - an old toothbrush or something similar
    If you can let us have a photo we would be able to confirm (click on the little mountain icon above the message box)

    Welcome to the forum :)

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • joy.heslopjoy.heslop Posts: 3
    Hi Pete 

    Thank you for replying, I have attached a picture below

    Joy
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Yes those are scale insects. As @Pete.8 advises you can scrub them off with a tooth brush. Some people find a bit of alcohol helps meths, vodka or gin … whatever’s available (for the scale insects … not you … well, not the meths anyway 😉 ). 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • joy.heslopjoy.heslop Posts: 3
    thank you so much, I have been nurturing these bays for years so would hate to lose them.
    Will scale also be in the roots and soil or does it only live on the trunk and branches?
    Joy
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    It just lives on the trunk and branches - not in the soil or roots
    If I see just a few I flick them off with a fingernail.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
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