Magnolia Tree Question - Ask Extension
Hello,
We have a magnolia tree whose leaves started turning brown a little over a week ago. My sister-in-law is a master gardner, but her specialty ...
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Magnolia Tree Question #880428
Asked August 06, 2024, 3:32 PM EDT
Hello,
We have a magnolia tree whose leaves started turning brown a little over a week ago. My sister-in-law is a master gardner, but her specialty is flowers, not trees. She recommended that I contact you.
I’m attaching a few photos of the tree. My sister-in-law thought that there may be a fungus impacting the tree (see the close up image of the bark).
My questions:
1. What is your opinion?
2. What can I do to save the tree (if possible)?
3. How can I keep it from spreading? We have another variety of Magnolia tree planted near this one, and I can see a few spots forming in it’s bark too – however, so far, none of the leaves are impacted (they appear normal).
Thanks in advance for any advice or help you can provide!
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for a closeup of the bark. See these web pages. Diagnosis, spray program, etc. I would keep the tree until next spring. It may sprout new leaves. Check the cable with garden hose over it every few weeks to see that it is not rubbing on the bark. Moving it lower on the trunk and installing a second one on the opposite side is a possibility. The tree should be able to sway in the wind.
https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/magnolia-scale-neolecanium-cornuparvum/
htthttps://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef431ps://
hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/
https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/tree-plant-care/plant-care-resources/magnolia-scale-neolecanium-cornuparvum/
htthttps://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef431ps://
hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/magnolia-scale/
