How to Maintain Magnolia Trees
Magnolia trees are flowering trees offering shade, visual appeal and fragrance to outdoor spaces. The trees have glossy green foliage and large blooms in various colors, including pink, white, yellow and cream. These blossoms are favorites in bouquets and cut arrangements. Magnolia trees grow and produce for years, given the proper care and maintenance. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sunny location
- Water
- Pest and disease treatment
- Pruning tools
- Organic fertilizer and mulch
Instructions
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Provide magnolia trees with enough sunlight. These trees require full- to partial-sun environments, meaning three to six hours of sunlight each day.
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Keep your magnolia tree hydrated. These trees are moderately drought-tolerant, meaning the soil may get somewhat dry before the tree needs more water. A good rule of thumb is to water the tree deeply two to three times weekly to keep it hydrated but not over-watered.
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Observe your tree for signs of pests and disease. Magnolias are generally pest- and disease-resistant, though they may occasionally fall victim to a leaf-eating pest or fungal disease. Signs of problems include leaf damage, flower damage, drooping or dropping of leaves and flowers, and discoloration of the tree. Treat trees with the proper insecticide or fungicide if pests or disease are present.
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Prune your trees regularly, removing any shoots with ill-formed leaves or tight forks. Pruning reduces weakness in the tree and increases the amount of blossoms produced by the tree.
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Apply an organic fertilizer, such as well-rotted compost, to the magnolia tree's soil each year. Follow the application with a layer of mulch to help hold in moisture and serve as a secondary form of fertilizer. This encourages tree growth and disease resistance.
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Tips & Warnings
Removing old or dying blooms encourages growth of new, strong blooms.
Ensure good drainage in your magnolia's soil. Bever over-water -- this not only kills the tree over time but invites disease and pests to infect your tree.
References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
