My magnolia tree has bees and flies all over the leaves. There are no longer flowers on the tree.?

Question

You cannot even get near the tree because of the abundance of the insects flying around it. Why are they there? The tree is 10 years old and this has never happened before.

Answer 1

First, healthy plants/trees don't have problems with pests.   I'm thinking that if the tree hasn't been fertilized, the tree, as old as it is, has used up the nutrients that once were there.  More to follow :)

The first pest that came to mind is "Tulip Poplar Scale" which is a pest of  Tuliptree and Magnolia...unusual amounts of bees and flies are symptoms.  They suck the life juices from the twigs of the trees and beyond.

Try spraying the tree with an organic insecticidal soap, following label directions, to get rid of the pests.  Also try applying 100% Pure Neem Oil to the soil.  It's an organic repellent, not harmful to pets, humans or plants and doesn't deter beneficial critters.  Just be sure to get 100% pure Neem oil to ensure that no chemicals have been added.

Do you have mulch around the tree?  Organic mulch would retain moisture, condition the soil, harbor beneficial organisims and serve as an insulating factor.

Now for the fertilizer.   Check with your local plant nursery to find a good organic fertilizer to put into the root system - this is where the nutrients will be best taken up by the tree.  Remember the roots extend well beyond the branches so go out even further.

I hope this helps!  Good luck to you and your magnolia.