Why is my Magnolia dying? - Ask Extension
Hi, I planted a black tulip in my yard almost 3 years ago and it's not doing well. Each winter it puts up buds, and starts to put on leaves, but my ma...
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Why is my Magnolia dying? #867065
Asked May 04, 2024, 10:51 PM EDT
Hi, I planted a black tulip in my yard almost 3 years ago and it's not doing well. Each winter it puts up buds, and starts to put on leaves, but my may is shed most of its buds and leaves. It never really flowers and has not grown much. The leaves are shriveled but not crispy.
I live in Columbia county and have mainly clay soil that I have added lots of mulch and other organic materials to. The nearby roses are growing wildly out of control, and other trees we planted around the same time are growing without issue.
I'm worried that I just need to dig it out and accept it's failure. Are there things I should try to save it first?
Thank you for your advice!
Columbia County Oregon
Expert Response
Give it a “wiggle test”. Is it secure? Wobbly? It’s a way to check root establishment.
Pull back the soil around the trunk, and find the flare, usually the point where to roots begin. New trees are easy to plant too deep. Send me a couple photos of what you find, especially mark the current soil level and the flare, so it’s clear what the levels are.
Lastly, describe your planting technique. Did you loosen the rootball? Examine the roots for health before planting? Amend the planting hole?
There are some pests and diseases of new trees, but almost always the trouble is environmental and/or planting issues.
Don’t give up on it yet. Sometimes even an “iffy” tree can be rescued.
Pull back the soil around the trunk, and find the flare, usually the point where to roots begin. New trees are easy to plant too deep. Send me a couple photos of what you find, especially mark the current soil level and the flare, so it’s clear what the levels are.
Lastly, describe your planting technique. Did you loosen the rootball? Examine the roots for health before planting? Amend the planting hole?
There are some pests and diseases of new trees, but almost always the trouble is environmental and/or planting issues.
Don’t give up on it yet. Sometimes even an “iffy” tree can be rescued.
