Magnolia trees in North Texas are not doing well!

Why Are Magnolias Turning Brown and Dying?

Magnolias in our area are at the edge of their native growing range and this, combined with the extreme weather we have had in recent years have caused many of them to start declining rapidly.

Drought and heat from 2022 and 2023 are the biggest factors affecting magnolias, remember stress isn’t visible immediately so now in 2024 we are seeing the effects of drought. 

What to Do To Help Your Magnolia

To help a dying Magnolia in North Texas mulch between the roots (not over them), properly water, and protect their roots from damage.

What Not to Do Near Your Magnolia

Do not use high nitrogen fertilizer and weed and feed products, stressed magnolias are especially sensitive to this.

What Texas Tree Surgeons Can do for Your Magnolia

Our drought plan for magnolia recovery begins with a one time application of Paclobutrazol. This is a hormonal growth regulator that will force the tree to use its energy to grow more fibrous roots rather than adding new growth in the canopy. Additionally, use of Paclobutrazol allows the tree to better withstand drought conditions by reducing the amount of water lost from transpiration. This application is effective for three years (as long as no trimming is done.)

Paclobutrazol  must be applied at a special rate determined by your arborist, too much will cause more harm than good, so make sure you are using a certified arborist who has a TDA license and is very familiar with this product.

During this three year period we will also add biotic material to your soil including bio stimulants.

Why Use Bio Stimulants Instead of Fertilizer? 

Bio stimulants are organic materials that would be found in a forest floor. When we add bio stimulants we are not fertilizing. Instead we are amending the soil in such a way that the tree has not only macro nutrients but also micro nutrients to absorb. Typically in an urban setting micro nutrients are not readily available in the soil because items are not left to decompose. 

How do Bio Stimulants Help Soil?

Bio stimulants improve the soil slowly so that the tree can adapt to the new condition of the dirt. Improvement in the tree is slow, not a sudden jolt. With the amended soil the tree improves its respiration by regrowing fibrous roots.  It allows the tree to slowly rebuild its energy stores, build its defenses, while also delaying the aging process.

What to Expect When Using Paclobutrazol

Best case scenario the remaining leaves will survive the first year and the tree does not get worse looking. During the next seasonal leaf exchange we hope to see the new leaves bloom healthy, but they will still be sparse.

Year two and three we hope to see the tree hold on and survive until its energy stores (stored sugars needed to live) can build up. By the end of three years we are hoping for the canopy to be almost full with new leaves. You will need to continue the soil amendment plan as well as basic tree care best practices for best results.

Weakened Magnolias are more susceptible to disease, insects, and other pathogens. If there is at least 50% of its canopy remaining there is still a chance to help them survive. Call today to schedule a consultation for an Arborist Assessment and Tree Health Care visit before the weather becomes extreme.