Magnolia trees are popular for their glossy, dark green leaves, fragrant blossoms, and bright red-orange berries. These flowering plants belong to the family Magnoliaceae and are native to East Asia, the Himalayas, Central America and eastern North America. They are also referred to as tulip trees, swamp magnolias and laurel magnolias, and can grow up to 80 feet tall with a maximum spread of 30 to 40 feet. They are cold-hardy trees, but like most plants, they are susceptible to problems and diseases that can seriously affect their health and could cause them to die if not treated in time.
How to save a dying Magnolia tree
1. Pinpoint the cause of the problem.
To be able to provide the right treatment for your dying Magnolia tree, you first need to determine the cause of the problem. Signs to look out for include a lack of leaves, dry or brittle wood, cracks on the trunk and areas of decay. You may have to consult an arborist to accurately diagnose the problem. Arborists are certified professionals who have the training and knowledge to diagnose and successfully treat tree problems.
2. Rectify any watering issues.
Magnolia trees usually die due to moisture or watering issues. Young and mature trees alike can be affected by too much or too little water. See to it that there is good drainage where your tree is planted; if the soil is waterlogged, you will need to improve the drainage.
Just as too much water can damage trees, underwatering can yield the same result. Installing an automated sprinkler system with timers is the most sure-fire way to resolve an underwatering problem.
3. Go easy with the mulch.
Mulching is beneficial for trees, but too much can be harmful. Go easy with the mulch and be sure it is not too thick around the base of your Magnolia tree. Thick layers of mulch around the tree’s trunk could suffocate the roots, so pull it back and thin it out if necessary. This will also help prevent the onset of fungal diseases, pests and bacteria.
4. Fertilize your tree correctly.
Apply fertilizers with utmost care as they could potentially harm trees instead of nourishing them. Avoid sprinkling or spraying them too close to the tree, especially when using lawn fertilizer. Do not use diseased plant materials as ingredients for organic fertilizers. Test the soil before deciding which fertilizers to use, and consult an arborist if you are unsure what to do.
5. Prune your tree properly.
See to it that you are following proper pruning techniques to avoid any further damage to your dying tree. Remove the infected parts to encourage the growth of new leaves, and dispose of diseased branches to avoid the spread of the disease. Sterilize the pruning shears, knives or saws that you used to cut off the infected tree parts.
If you are unsure about what to do, consult a tree professional to do the pruning work for you.
Common reasons your Magnolia tree may be dying
Root rot
Fungal infections like root rot are a common culprit in dying Magnolia trees. Root rot is caused by soil pathogens, and certain fungal Phytophthora species such as cactorum and cinnamomi are to blame for this disease. The disease usually develops because you are overwatering your trees in warm weather, as this encourages the growth of pathogens. The leaves will wilt and branches will die when the root rot spreads from the roots to the rest of the plant.
To fix the issue, avoid overwatering and allow the soil to dry out before you water it again. Clean away any debris that accumulates around the tree base to avoid pathogen growth.
Leaf scorch
Leaf scorch is not caused by fungus or bacteria, but is a non-infectious physiological condition caused by unfavorable environmental situations. This condition occurs when there is a high temperature, dry wind or low soil moisture. It may not kill the tree, but it can burn the leaves resulting in widespread defoliation. The condition often occurs in areas where the ground freezes over.
Verticillium wilt
This disease is caused by at least six species of verticillium fungi and causes branches to die one by one. It is usually characterized by vascular discoloration, and the branches will look red or brown. To prevent the spread, prune off the affected branches and disinfect your shears.
Canker diseases
Canker diseases are associated with open wounds that have been infected by fungal or bacterial pathogens. They kill branches and weaken plants, and the infected area eventually breaks free, often during extreme weather conditions. After the appearance of sunken patches, the leaves turn yellow or brown and begin to wilt. Pruning the infected branches could prevent the spread of the disease, but if the infection is severe you may lose your tree and should not plant any new Magnolia trees in the same spot.
Magnolia tree care
Magnolia trees are low-maintenance and usually need little help to survive. Some of these beauties have survived for almost 200 years. Most varieties can withstand hot summers and drought, but younger trees need to be watered regularly for two years until they are well-established.
These trees do not need much pruning except for damaged branches, or if you want to shape the trees for aesthetic reasons. The best time to prune them is after the blooming period, in late spring or early summer. Young trees may be fertilized; mature trees that are healthy and blooming need not be fertilized. They have sensitive roots that are easily damaged, so be sure to keep foot traffic away from the root zone.
Conclusion
Magnolia trees are widely cultivated for their pretty, fragrant flowers and as ornamental trees. Like most plants, they are also prone to diseases and could wilt and die if not treated in time. You can save your dying Magnolia tree by correctly determining the cause of the problem to ensure appropriate treatment. Also make sure you are providing optimal conditions for the tree’s overall vitality, to help it bounce back to health.
Image: istockphoto.com / Mariusz Brainard