What’s wrong with my Magnolia tree? - Ask Extension
I planted my Magnolia tree in late May. I have three concerns:
(Please see photos attached.)
1. The spots on the leaves. These spots are primarily ...
Knowledgebase
What’s wrong with my Magnolia tree? #773208
Asked September 27, 2021, 10:17 AM EDT
I planted my Magnolia tree in late May. I have three concerns:
(Please see photos attached.)
1. The spots on the leaves. These spots are primarily on the leaves on the branches on the bottom third of the tree. (There are many leaves that appear healthy.) What’s causing these spots? What can I do about it.
2. There are a lot of buds on the tree. A few appear to be opening now. Why is this? Can I do something?
3. There is an abnormal pinkish/reddish growth on one of the branches. What is this? Should I cut it off or leave it?
Thanks so much for any info and guidance you can provide!
Blue Earth County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hello Mary Ann, happy to help.
Basically what you're seeing growing on your tree are the seed pods. They generally won't result in tree seedlings popping up in your yard so I wouldn't worry about them. Here is a link to information about magnolias that contains a photo of an intact seedpod and one that has burst open.
As for the holes, I can't say for sure what they may be. It could be hail damage. My search for issues that magnolias have resulted in nothing other than the scale we've been experiencing in the southern part of Minnesota for the past few years. They don't chew holes in leaves, though. They are a suckering insect that produce a sweet sticky residue that coats the leaves below where they are situated. That sticky residue attracts other sweet-toothed insects like yellow jackets. The residue also morphs into what we call sooty mold. All of this is usually harmless to the tree but it doesn't help its aesthetic appeal. If you should start seeing the signs of their presence, check out the third item in this link about scales.
Good-luck!
Basically what you're seeing growing on your tree are the seed pods. They generally won't result in tree seedlings popping up in your yard so I wouldn't worry about them. Here is a link to information about magnolias that contains a photo of an intact seedpod and one that has burst open.
As for the holes, I can't say for sure what they may be. It could be hail damage. My search for issues that magnolias have resulted in nothing other than the scale we've been experiencing in the southern part of Minnesota for the past few years. They don't chew holes in leaves, though. They are a suckering insect that produce a sweet sticky residue that coats the leaves below where they are situated. That sticky residue attracts other sweet-toothed insects like yellow jackets. The residue also morphs into what we call sooty mold. All of this is usually harmless to the tree but it doesn't help its aesthetic appeal. If you should start seeing the signs of their presence, check out the third item in this link about scales.
Good-luck!
Thank you for your reply. It is helpful.
I’m not clear about the leaves that are brown. Do you have thoughts about what’s causing this and what I need to do about it?
Many thanks,
Mary Ann Brenden
Hello,
I can't be sure. If they're sticky to the touch, then I'd look for crawlers on leaves and twigs because it may be Magnolia scale. You could also look for established scales (see photos in the link I provided earlier) on twigs and branches above the affected leaves.
Otherwise, it could be seasonal changes in some leaves. We've been experiencing some early seasonal changes in some trees like the Seven Sons Flower tree in August that looks like your affected leaves.
If you suspect a disease and since this is a new tree, you could ask the nursery for help in determining the issue and see what's covered under warrantee.
Good-luck!
I can't be sure. If they're sticky to the touch, then I'd look for crawlers on leaves and twigs because it may be Magnolia scale. You could also look for established scales (see photos in the link I provided earlier) on twigs and branches above the affected leaves.
Otherwise, it could be seasonal changes in some leaves. We've been experiencing some early seasonal changes in some trees like the Seven Sons Flower tree in August that looks like your affected leaves.
If you suspect a disease and since this is a new tree, you could ask the nursery for help in determining the issue and see what's covered under warrantee.
Good-luck!
