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Magnolia Tree wood rot?? #923061

Asked December 23, 2025, 2:20 PM EST

Discovered this today!! It was on a section that we could not see from our windows. Can we save the tree? Otherwise very healthy.

Macomb County Michigan

Expert Response

Good morning and thank you for reaching out.  Our staff and volunteers are on holiday break until after New Year’s Day. 

I will send this along to one of our tree experts, but their response will likely be delayed until after the holiday break. Thank you for your patience.

Have a wonderful holiday season,
Terri

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Hello Michael,

I am sorry about your Magnolia tree. Magnolias are hardy and resistant to most diseases and insects, except of course scale which can be treated in the summer.

Sadly, the bark damage was caused by a buck rubbing the tree to remove the velvet off its antlers and to mark its territory. Read more here: https://midwestoutdoors.com/understanding-deer-rubs-a-key-to-success/

Through compartmentalization, the tree can recover from such damage as long as the damage does not girdle the trunk. Read about compartmentalization here: https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-the-spread-of-decay-in-trees

In the meantime, while the tree deals with the damage, you will need to protect it from further assaults. There are many commercial products to protect trees from deer damage on the internet. You can research this information and choose a method which would work for you. I hope this helps.

Good luck with your tree.

Thank you for contacting Ask Extension.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied December 27, 2025, 3:48 PM EST

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