Magnolia Tree Black Spots on Leaves - Ask Extension
Hello:
I have a new magnolia tree (Magnolia Grandiflora 'Edith Bogue') that was planted October 2020. It was very healthy looking when I purchased ...
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Magnolia Tree Black Spots on Leaves #743392
Asked April 09, 2021, 9:11 AM EDT
Hello:
I have a new magnolia tree (Magnolia Grandiflora 'Edith Bogue') that was planted October 2020. It was very healthy looking when I purchased it but over the winter I noticed it was developing black spots on the leaves. I am assuming that this is fungus of some sort. Will it respond to spraying or is it systemic? What type of product should I use on it and how often?
It is planted in the front yard where, during the winter, it receives sun all day. Once the surrounding area trees leaf out, it will receive full sun for most of the day and shade in the late afternoon. The site previously had a crepe myrtle on it but it was removed over two years ago and grass had been growing in the location. I planted tulips under the tree in December. I was as careful as possible not to disturb the tree roots when planting the tulips.
As to soil condition, since this area has not supported a tree in two years, I am assuming it is fairly good soil. All my other soil that I have had tested is a neutral PH. We gave it Espoma Bio-Tone Starter fertilizer when we planted it but have not fertilized it yet this spring.
We staked the tree over the winter because it is in an unprotected location and we were worried about high winds. I plan on removing the stakes soon. I did mulch the area in December after planting the tulips to prevent the squirrels from digging up the bulbs.
Any information you can give me is greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Baltimore CountyMaryland
Expert Response
Your garden bed is lovely.
The 'Edith Bogue' Magnolia is a beautiful tree that will grow to be 60' tall and 30' wide. (So hopefully it is situated in a space that can accommodate her mature stature).
You should not need to worry or treat the spotted leaves. You can ignore it for now. We think it will self-correct in time. Leaf spot diseases can arise when trees are crowded and overhead irrigation is used in nurseries. You can pull the worst ones off when they yellow and discard them in the trash. The green, spotted ones are still photosynthesizing and feeding the tree.
Just for future information, some of the older leaves of magnolia naturally yellow and fall in the spring.
I really only paid attention to the “10 year size” on the tag which says 6’ to 10’ tall and wide as we are only planning on staying here for approximately 10 more years. My neighbors will hate me in 20 years! Oh well.