Magnolia Tree Issue - Ask Extension
I have a Southern Magnolia tree which is 6-7 years old but is starting to look sickly. Most of the leaves have a yellowish tent instead of being dee...
Knowledgebase
Magnolia Tree Issue #121909
Asked April 16, 2013, 12:12 PM EDT
I have a Southern Magnolia tree which is 6-7 years old but is starting to look sickly. Most of the leaves have a yellowish tent instead of being deep green and there are alot of black spots. Can you provide some recommended actions to address this situation?
Denton County Texas
Expert Response
Your magnolia could be going through its normal leaf shed, with the leaves turning yellow and falling off the tree. Or, it could be suffering a nutrient deficiency because our soil pH is a little higher than what magnolias prefer. Iron deficiency will cause a yellowing of leaves in high pH soils and we sometimes see that increase if phosphorus is higher, (which is present in a lot of fertilizers.) As far as the spots go, it could be a fungus that will have little real impact on the health of the tree. Fungi that could be affecting are: Coniothyrium sp., Epicoccum sp., Glomerella sp., Phyllosticta sp., and Septoria sp.
If you would like more information, please contact our Master Gardener help desk. You could also send digital pictures of your tree and leaves to us and we could give you a better diagnosis. That contact information is 940.349.2892. or email <personal data hidden>.
Good luck!
If you would like more information, please contact our Master Gardener help desk. You could also send digital pictures of your tree and leaves to us and we could give you a better diagnosis. That contact information is 940.349.2892. or email <personal data hidden>.
Good luck!
