LoveToKnow Garden:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Garden

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Because you mention having a lot of rain, I'm thinking this could be a fungal problem. Although it could also indicate a need for fertilizer. Have you fertilized it recently? If not, I would start there.

If the problem persists, then try a neem spray or a fungicide. Ask at your local garden center to find one that is suitable for your tree.

You can also try taking a few leaves to your local Extension Office for a more accurate diagnosis. They should be able to tell you exactly what to do.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

I'm having a problem with my purple Magnolia loosing alot of bottom leafs and turning brown and yellow poka dots on the other leafs it is not happy. I planted it early last spring here in middle TN...we have had alot of rain this year. please let me know if I can save it

-- Contributed by: Debra

Yellow leaves are typically a sign of incorrect soil pH. Try a soil test kit and make sure the soil is around 5.0. If not, you'll have to amend it to get it the way your tree needs it to be.

You can also try a fertilizer for acidic soils and add some iron sulphate and peatmoss to the soil.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

My magnolia tree was planted last fall. I now have a lot of blossoms that have not opened yet, but a lot of the leaves are turning yellow color with brown spots on them and falling off. Could you tell me if there is a problem. thank you

-- Contributed by: Marcy

Hi David, Magnolia trees can and will invade septic systems.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I was wondering about the root systems.Are they bad for septic systems

-- Contributed by: David

Hi Jamie, Without knowing exactly which type of magnolia tree you have, I can't tell you exactly how to prune it. However, I'm providing a link here to the UBC Botanical Garden research site which does explain how to prune the various types of magnolia trees.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I bought a house with a BIG magnolia tree, it needs to be thinned out - is this possible?

-- Contributed by: jamie

Hi Tina, Please visit the following website link that has many photos of Magnolia seed pods. There are also instructions on how to propagate them there. Magnolia Seed Pods.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I came into a magnolia tree that had some kind of round pod with red seeds coming from it with very thin stem. The stems looked like thread and the little red (I would say seeds) hanging from this very thin stem made it look so beautiful. Is this a seed pod or what? How can I keep it and get a small start from it? I've never seen this before from a pod. Please reply asap, I'm dying to know if they are seeds and what can I do with them?

-- Contributed by: Tina

can magnolia trees be trimed back and if so how much

-- Contributed by: jerry kasavage

Hi Ron, Try magnolia x sunsation, which is good for gardens in zones 5-8. I'm not sure which you're closer to- zone five or seven. There are plenty of magnolias to choose from if you're closer to a seven- magnolia wilsonii, magnolia macrophylla and magnolia sieboldii. Check with your local nursery to see what may grow best in your area.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

Hi Kathy, I'm guessing that the brown leaves didn't appear overnight. It is correct to check for soil moisture being the culprit first. Second, I would check the pH level for the plant and make sure it is in the acceptable range- perhaps it is missing nutrients. Finally, check for pests- they could be the cause of the brown leaves.

You can remove the leaves coming up from the bottom of the plant, they are "suckers." As long as your plant is holding its own this year, and not likely to tip over, you can remove the stake.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

I want to plan an evergreen magnolia tree in zone 6. what would be my best bet?

-- Contributed by: RON WRIGHT

We are having trouble with flies and bees covering my Magnolia tree. There is so many bugs on it,the leaves are actually moving. When it rains the bugs are coming onto my porch. My tree is about 7 years old. Can you help?

-- Contributed by: Linda

My Magnolia tree is one year old. We are located in Illinois and it came through the winter beautifully. Last week it was full and the leaves looked wonderful. This morning I saw the leaves all dried up and brown. I loosened the mulch around the bottom of the tree thinking maybe it was holding too much moisture. Also, I have not removed the stake and twine holding the stake on the tree trunk. Should I remove this? Also it appears to have two large leaves coming up from the ground right next to the trunk. What should I do?

-- Contributed by: Kathy

We had an ice storm this winter that had my wifes Magnolia tree almost bent to the ground, we both thought the limbs would break due to the ice build-up. I broke all the leaves off to lighten the load and save the tree, thinking they would just grow back. Here it is late june and it has not recovered at all, the limbs are still soft and springy, not brittle as most dead tree's. Did i kill this tree, and or will it ever leaf back out? Thanks!

-- Contributed by: Tad Brown

How do you trim back a magnolia tree? And how much cutting can you do with out harming the tree? I have one that is out of control for my size yard. Thank you.

-- Contributed by: I. Hollmann

Charlotte Gerber, Thank you very much for your contribution.

-- Contributed by: Q-Vy

Hi Q-Vy, It sounds as if you are describing the Chinese magnolia or Magnolia x soulangiana. It grows to a height of 20-30 feet and about 12-15 feet wide. It probably wouldn't do too well next to a fence because of its size.

-- Contributed by: Charlotte Gerber

Might want to add mildew as a problem.

-- Contributed by: Stewie

Hi there, please help me with this one.

I love magnolia trees, the kind with white flower and lightly lavender or pink petal. Would Chinese magnolia give this kind of flower description? How big do they grow? I live in Southern CA, my yard is medium size. Can I plan this tree somewhere near the fence? Will the root grow big enough to damage the brick wall in a short period of time? ( I figure all roots will eventually damage the brick wall in the long run). Thank you for helping.

-- Contributed by: Q-Vy

It is possible that the leaves are getting sunburned. It may also be going through its natural cycle. If it doesn't recover in a few months, try contacting your local extension office.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

My magnolia tree leaves are turning brown, the trees are about six years old, the trees get full sun and water, could you tell me why the leaves are going brown and the trees are dying

-- Contributed by: Brian

Unfortunately we cannot reply to individual email addresses, but I will try to answer your question here as best I can.

It is hard to say which type of magnolia will thrive in Guadalajara because I am not familiar with that area. I am going to guess you are around zone 11. If this is accurate then a Japanese magnolia should do well in your location. It is possible that you could try a magnolia grandiflora as well.

With so many different varieties, it is hard to know for sure. Your best bet is to contact some nurseries that offer magnolia trees and ask them which ones will do best in your region.

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

L Sibbins: The previous owner may have grafted her tree or may have purchased a grafted tree. This is a fairly common practice. On nursery that specializes in grafted magnolias is McCrackens Nursery

-- Contributed by: Kathleen Roberts

previous comments responce pls. to this email

-- Contributed by: d. gonzalez

what type of tree (magnolia) would be best for Guadalajara mexico region?

-- Contributed by: d. gonzalez

I have a Magnolia tree that is white in the Spring and pink in the Fall. I have only had this property for about 5 years, and I believe that the lady before me may have grafted two varieties together. Has anyone ever heard of that before?

-- Contributed by: L Sibbins
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