Knowledgebase
Magnolia with several dead branches #754231
Asked June 05, 2021, 9:26 PM EDT
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Magnolias are marginally hardy in Minnesota depending on the particular cultivar. Cold winters and early frosts cause damage. Probably the flowering decrease was a consequence of our weather. In marginally hardy trees some branch die back is common. Prune out the dead branches. You can tell if the branch is dead by bending it. If it breaks off and there is no live tissue remove it to the point where there is live tissue.
There are diseases particular to magnolias so look for those. A stressed tree is more vulnerable. The typical diseases are in the third website. Click on the red links if you notice that symptom on your tree.
You could fertilize it now; but do not fertilize in the fall because it will cause the tree to put out new growth that will not have time to harden off.
The websites below offer more information.
1. https://campustrees.umn.edu/loebners-magnolia
2. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c118
3. http://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/deciduous/magnolia/
4. https://northerngardener.org/plant-profile-magic-magnolias/
You are welcome. Good luck!