Juniper scale

Juniper scale insects settle on juniper foliage, creating dense clusters of tiny, flat, gray or brownish circular bumps that coat needles and twigs. The scale covers are immobile and shell-like; you identify them by their numerous identical bumps giving infested areas a crusted appearance. Heavy infestations cause needle browning and branch dieback starting from the interior of the plant. Damage becomes apparent by midsummer.

Apply dormant oil in late winter or early spring before scale eggs hatch to smother overwintering stages. For active-season populations, horticultural oil targets the crawler stage in early to mid-spring. Prune out severely infested branches. For landscape junipers showing significant damage, a second oil application in early summer targets new generations. Maintain tree health.