Spots on Magnolia Tree - Ask Extension
We have a Magnolia tree that was planted by the previous owner. I am not sure of the age of the tree but it is at least 10 years old (we moved in the ...
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Spots on Magnolia Tree #927205
Asked March 31, 2026, 5:38 PM EDT
We have a Magnolia tree that was planted by the previous owner. I am not sure of the age of the tree but it is at least 10 years old (we moved in the house 7 years ago)
Of recently I see these brown spot on leaves and it is all over the tree. Google AI tells me that this is some sort of fungal infection.
What can I do to remediate this and save the tree. Thank you for your help and Gundance.
Baltimore County Maryland
Expert Response
The symptoms pictured are not due to a fungal infection (AI tools are not good yet at diagnosing plant issues). The browning is due to a very common phenomenon called winterburn, and many evergreens developed winterburn damage this year. Winterburn occurs when plant foliage dehydrates too much during winter cold snaps, and can be exacerbated by dry weather; we're still in a drought carried over from last year.
Nothing can heal injured leaves, but the plant will shed them on its own later this season/year, and new growth should emerge normally since dormant buds tend to be more resilient than leaves when it comes to cold exposure. The limited root space for the Magnolia may be exacerbating any drought stress since it has less access to moisture due to the nearby pavement. Monitoring it for watering needs can help alleviate stress and support this year's leaf and flower buds that haven't opened yet, since expanding new leaves and flower petals requires a reliably supply of soil moisture. You can find watering guidance on the linked page.
Nothing else needs to be done at this point (don't fertilize), and the tree appears to be in decent shape overall.
Miri
Nothing can heal injured leaves, but the plant will shed them on its own later this season/year, and new growth should emerge normally since dormant buds tend to be more resilient than leaves when it comes to cold exposure. The limited root space for the Magnolia may be exacerbating any drought stress since it has less access to moisture due to the nearby pavement. Monitoring it for watering needs can help alleviate stress and support this year's leaf and flower buds that haven't opened yet, since expanding new leaves and flower petals requires a reliably supply of soil moisture. You can find watering guidance on the linked page.
Nothing else needs to be done at this point (don't fertilize), and the tree appears to be in decent shape overall.
Miri
