P.S. I just checked the living leaves for mildew or another disease, and they are perfect, no discoloration or dry spots.  A number are wilting, though.  Thank you.

Hello Dorian, happy to help.

Even though your tree may be stressed due to lack of water last year, it may not be the thing that is causing the wilting and loss of leaves this season -- especially with all the rain we've been having. So I have a couple of questions.

The ground underneath the tree appears to have lost vegetation compared to the nearby area. Was that area subjected to any herbicide recently? If not, can you  recall anyone using a herbicide adjacent to your property? The wilting, discoloration, and eventual loss of leaves could explain that, especially if all the damage occurred on one side of the tree (downwind from where the herbicide was sprayed).

If you decide that it is herbicide drift, there's not much you can do except wait for your tree to recover. To help it, make sure it receives an inch of water per week whether mother nature provides or you do -- especially when we get more typical summer weather with less rain through July and August. Also, tree roots spread well beyond the drip line of the tree so be sure that inch of water gets to all the roots.

If you don't think it was herbicide application or drift, I recommend having your tree evaluated by a certified arborist to determine the issue. Here is a link to information about how to find and hire a professional.

Good-luck!

Thank you--The problem must be from my having sprayed Ortho lawn weed killer on the dandelions under this magnolia.  I'll be sure to give one inch of water weekly to this area outward to the roots, as you recommend above.  LESSON LEARNED, thanks to your help!

Sending you very best wishes for a happy and productive summer!