How to Fertilize Magnolia Trees

Unlike most plants, magnolia trees have a rope-like root system that makes it quite difficult to move them. Therefore, planting your tree in the best growing area and maintaining its soil is essential. Find an area in your garden or yard that has moist soil and drains well. Choose from many varieties of magnolias such as star magnolia, cucumber tree, yellow popular and the saucer group. Grow magnolias in full sunlight, and maintain a watering and fertilizing routine for providing optimal care for your magnolia.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Soil testing kit
• Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Conduct a soil pH test on the planting area. Purchase a soil testing kit from a local gardening supply store. Dig a hole and collect soil samples for the sterile containers in the kit. Send the samples away to the address indicated on the package. Magnolia trees need a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 to thrive. Make any adjustments with fertilizer to obtain the proper pH balance.

2. Fertilize during your first growing year in March. Apply 1 cup of slow release fertilizer with a NPK of 8-8-8 around the perimeter of your planting hole. You can find your fertilizer's NPK on the package. The number stands for the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the fertilizer. Water the area thoroughly after spreading the fertilizer. .

3. Apply fertilizer again in May and June. Use the same amount the first year of growing. To keep your soil moist during the summer months and prevent loss of nutrients, apply mulch around the tree.

4. Use 2 cups of slow release 8-8-8 fertilizer the second growing year in March, May and June. Apply the fertilizer from the the ends of the canopy to 3 feet past the canopy. The fertilizer will be in a doughnut-like shape. Water the area.

5. Spread 4 cups of the same fertilizer the third year in March, May and June. Apply the fertilizer from the tips of the canopy to six feet beyond in a doughnut-like shape. Water the fertilizer, so that it sinks into the soil. Many magnolias do not need fertilizer after the third year of establishing roots; however, it is always beneficial to conduct a soil test each year to make sure the pH balance stays in normal range.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove any grass, plants or weeds around the magnolia's planting area. Other vegetation competes with new trees for nutrients and moisture.

• Look for yellow or dark leaves on your magnolia. This can indicate an imbalance in your soil's pH.

References

• Fertilizing Magnolia Trees
• Magnolia Trees

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish