Essex,
United Kingdom 
My large and healthy bay tree has white "chalky" like blobs on the trunk and underside of the large branches. This can be easliy scratched off and is a bit like cotton wool fibres when rubbed between my fingers. Can you tell me what it is and if its harmful? What should we treat it with, if it is a problem.
24 Jul, 2010
Probably scale insect of some variety - Provado make a spray for these, or wash them off with insecticidal soap (or mild/eco household washing up liquid/soap)and water, and rub over affected areas with a light application of meths on a cloth.
24 Jul, 2010