This is a garden question- Why is my magnolia really bare?
by
Karen
+2
I have a gem magnolia tree which has lost many of its leaves. It still blooms, but it is really bare. I would like to prune it down to have it grow again. I'd like to know if this will work
First do not prune until it finishes flowering.Secondly have you noticed any signs of insects?And lastly was the tree ever fertilized?
spray the tree with TIDE detergent mixed in water....It must be TIDE!!!! use azalea plant food first, then all around the tree sprinkle EPSOM salt...again, it must be EPSOM salt. Epsom salt should be applied about every three months to most gardens ....but don't go crazy...a little works wonders. also magnolia trees need full sun...at least 6 hours per day.
Thank you for the recommendations. Can you tell me what Tide and EPSON salt will do to revive the tree?
Have you put down preen or any typ of weed killer or fertilizer in a 4-5 foot perimeter around the magnolia? Magnolias have a very shallow root system. Anything you use in surrounding areas can affect it. I have 3 large southern magnolias and every year I remind my husband not to put weed and feed within 10 feet of those trees. Every year he either ignores me or forgets. My trees end up losing lots of leaves and looking horrible for close to two months. My fix is compost. Rake the mulch in a 5ft perimeter around the tree, apply compost. Then reapply the mulch. After about two weeks and some watering you will see an improvement. If not, you may have a different problem.