Cracked Bark? Dying Branches? It Might Be Oystershell Scale.

Oystershell scale

The oystershell scale, Lepidosaphes ulmi, is the most damaging scale insect present in Colorado. It develops on the bark of trunks and limbs of a wide range of commonly grown deciduous trees and shrubs, including aspen, ash, cotoneaster, poplars, willow and lilac.

Oystershell Scale Damage

Oystershell scale can seriously damage trees by killing leaf cells, draining nutrients, cracking bark, and causing overall plant stress. Left untreated, it can lead to leaf loss, branch dieback, sap leakage, and make the plant more vulnerable to other pests and diseases.

Gentle Scrubbing can easily Dislodge Oystershell Scale from Bark

Scrubbing not only removes visible scales but also exposes any remaining live populations, allowing you to monitor regrowth or reinfestation and apply additional treatments more effectively. It also helps prevent the buildup of scale crusts, which can kill limbs and increase the risk of fungal infections like Cytospora.

Protect your trees before the damage spreads.

📞 Call (801)-870-0164 or visit UtahTreeCare.com to schedule your expert tree inspection today!