Magnolia Trees Showing Drought Damage in North Texas

Apr 23, 2024

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.

Magnolia trees have shallow root systems with many roots exposed on the top of the soil. These roots have little to no protection from the summer heat. The top soil dries out faster than soil deeper in the ground.

“Magnolias trees with yellowing and brown leaves” and “magnolias dying from the top down” have little to no more reserved energy to create new leaves, photosynthesize, and stay alive. Without support they will continue to decline and a significant portion of trees will potentially die.

If your magnolia has at least 50% of its canopy remaining

there is still a chance of them surviving.

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.

Normal level of stress we’re seeing this spring. Treatments may benefit tree health, but may be considered optional.

Higher level of stress present. Treatment options may significantly improve tree health and reduce recovery time. Seek consult.

Appears to be Heat/Drought stress in this Magnolia. Arborist site visit highly recommended to review treatment options. Further decline possible if not likely without intervention.

Common tree death seen this year in Magnolias and other urban species.

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.