Little Gem Magnolia problem

10 years ago

I planted this Little Gem Magnolia in my Florida yard last spring. It is young, about 4 1/2 feet tall. Last fall, it had lost some leaves and now it is even worse (there was also a heavy hail last week, which may account for some leaf loss).

Would pruning down the limbs help the plant? Or hinder it? Or make no difference at all in whether or not it will recover and grow more leaves. What do you think is the best course of action? Maybe just buy a new one in the fall?

Thanks for suggestions.
Marcia

Featured Answer

Carol love_the_yard (Zone 9A Jacksonville, FL)

10 years ago

Yes, I was going to say the same thing. It was planted way too deep and then, to add insult to injury, had mulch all the way up to the trunk.
* Never plant a tree any deeper than it was in its container.
* No new soil should be placed on top of roots when a tree is planted.
* Mulch should always be pulled back about five or six inches from the trunk (unless you are protecting a plant from a freeze.)

This is a very old photo, but see how my magnolia is planted on a mound and the top of the root flare is (barely) visible?

I think your magnolia will do much better now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you! :)

Carol in Jacksonville

Comments (7)

marcia_m
Original Author
10 years ago
A look at the whole tree.
Embothrium
10 years ago
Cultivar often mildews and defoliates in PNW, maybe you are having the same problem there.
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marcia_m
Original Author
10 years ago
I decided to rake away some of the mulch. Maybe the tree is planted too low in the ground. I might dig and lift it up a little, since it is still small. It may just continue to deteriorate if I don't do anything, so nothing to lose.
Marcia
marcia_m
Original Author
10 years ago
This morning I dug up around the tree and added some soil underneath to raise it. The trunk flare was buried about 2-3 inches under the soil and I read that it should be above the soil line. I know I disturbed and cut off roots, but it will either help or hurt. I hope my actions helped!
Marcia
Carol love_the_yard (Zone 9A Jacksonville, FL)
10 years ago
Here is the trunk flare on my Grandiflora today. You can see why it should be slightly above the soil line. :)

Carol
marcia_m
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the input, Carol. Your tree has nice leaves and nice roots! I hope my tree is able to recover from my mistakes. I've learned something to add to my gardening knowledge--never too old to learn!
Marcia