How to Tell if a Young Magnolia Tree Is Doing Well?

Care for your magnolia tree by recognizing signs of illness.

Decorative, hardy and sweet-smelling, magnolia trees make for a low-maintenance landscaping tree with few problems. Recognizing problems early in young trees is the key to ensuring a long and healthy life for your tree. In order to do this, you need to track its growth rate and be on the lookout for pests and diseases.

Instructions

1. Track the growth of your young tree with a measuring tape. Note how much the tree grows in one year's time. If your young tree grows at least 1 foot per year and as much as 2 feet per year, it is growing normally and doing well.

2. Inspect the branches and leaves. Look for dry scales or mildew. If you do notice scales or dry, inconsistent spots, it's probably not a major problem. They will likely disappear on their own and are not a serious problem for the tree, but note how often you see these problems. If the scales and mildew continue to become a problem for more than one blooming season or branches appear weak or even dead, apply horticultural oils to the affected areas in late August to remedy the problem.

3. Inspect the leafy areas and blooms for pests. While magnolias are usually pest-free, pests from surrounding foliage may end up camping out in your tree. Remove the offending nearby plant or treat it for the pests you find.

4. Locate the above-ground roots of the tree. They will normally grow around the root system itself, circling it or spiraling around the base of the tree. These circling roots often wrap themselves around the trunk of the tree when above ground and will wrap around the root system below the ground. This is a common magnolia problem and could eventually choke out the root system, binding it. Cut any circling roots to prevent future problems.

References

• Clemson University; Magnolia; Debbie Shaughnessy and Bob Polomski; May 1999