Sick Magnolia Tree

[bobbiehall]

I have a 5 year old southern magnolia (Evergreen variety, I am not sure of the cultivar) that is only about 1' taller than the day we planted it. It has only bloomed one time and is now looking very ill. It generally loses a few leaves in the Spring but this year has lost many and the rest have a lot of brown on them. The tree has never really filled out but always looked healthy until this year. We bought it in a nursery in New Jersey (zone 6) where we live. It had already overwintered one year when we purchased it. Our yard is quit shady. The soil is sandy and drains well. The soil is generally acid throughout the yard.
If there is anything I can do to save it I would gladly try. I have a good source of aged horse manure. Is it possible that would help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bobbie :arrow: :arrow:

[Newt]

Hi Bobbie,
Trees often take a long time to show signs of stress or disease that are serious enough for us to notice. It sounds like your tree has been ill for quite a while, and may have been in that state when you purchased it. Many plants, especially trees, usually come with a one year guarantee. I'm sorry to say that no amount of compost or manure is going to make your tree well, as once decline has gone this far you are probably fighting a loosing battle. Take a look here and click on 'Shade Trees' on the left and then on 'Whole Tree'.

http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/hgic/diagn/

Another possiblility is magnolia borer.

The magnolia borer infests container and field grown magnolia. The larvae mine the roots and destroy the phloem tissue. The eggs are laid on the tree and the larvae move into the media to find a root. As they feed they move toward the root collar. At maturity they can be found feeding in the zone of the trunk about 2 inches from the media. The bark will appear spongy to the touch and frass may be observed in the area. Two to three generations occur per year.

http://woodypest.ifas.ufl.edu/boring.htm

Newt