We have had a rather large presence of Scale and Sooty Mold affecting trees within the Oakland County area this spring. Stated simply, Scales are small insects that latch on to a tree limb, damaging the tree’s health and vigor. Once your tree has been affected with Scale, the best option is to apply a Horticulture Oil to the affected region. A Horticulture Oil is  a product used to remove the infestation by suffocating the insect, and also by penetrating it’s outer protective layer to damage the  cells themselves. Where there is Scale, there is generally a presence of Sooty Mold. Sooty Mold is a fungus that feeds off of Honeydew secreted by the Scale. While Horticulture Oil is relatively harmless to most birds, animals, and humans, we still recommend a trained professional apply the application as incorrect usage can harm, and possibly kill the tree. If you think you may have Scale or Sooty Mold, please contact us to get a free estimate on a Horticulture application. Call us at 248-588-1694, email us at info@totallawncareinc.com, or Click Here to use our Online Request to schedule an appointment with one of our MDA Certified Horticulturists!