Dying Magnolia Leaves - Ask Extension
They are dying in clusters and usually at the end of branches and are spread throughout the tree.
Knowledgebase
Dying Magnolia Leaves #722984
Asked September 11, 2020, 3:16 PM EDT
They are dying in clusters and usually at the end of branches and are spread throughout the tree.
Mecklenburg County North Carolina
Expert Response
Leaves dying like this are often a sign of root problems, especially when on the end of branches. If you have good fertility levels, the problem may be with water. Do you fertilize this tree like you do others in your landscape?
We often think of this type of leaf loss in a dry year, but a wet year like we have had can cause problems with too much water, especially in our clay soils in Mecklenburg County. I know some area have gotten lots of rain at various times. If the roots get to wet they can start to drown. As fall comes in and we get drier, you should see damage slow down. Your tree appears to be a mature tree which helps. Large trees are resilient and come back from this type of damage well.
Watch the tree to see if damage slows down this fall and what happens next summer. Remember that magnolias will drop leaves in the spring normally as new growth comes on, too.
We often think of this type of leaf loss in a dry year, but a wet year like we have had can cause problems with too much water, especially in our clay soils in Mecklenburg County. I know some area have gotten lots of rain at various times. If the roots get to wet they can start to drown. As fall comes in and we get drier, you should see damage slow down. Your tree appears to be a mature tree which helps. Large trees are resilient and come back from this type of damage well.
Watch the tree to see if damage slows down this fall and what happens next summer. Remember that magnolias will drop leaves in the spring normally as new growth comes on, too.
