Q.Care for my Magnolia tree
We have a Magnolia tree that blooms white blossoms in the spring. This past spring the temps fluctuated so much. Just when the tree was going to bloom, we had a cold snap which followed a warm snap. Unfortunately, the blossoms never bloomed and we had no leaves grow on the tree. Is my tree dead or what can I do to make sure it blooms this next spring?
If you had no signs of growth on your Magnolia Tree this entire growing season, the tree may have died.
You can try the snap and scratch test. If the branches snap and break they have died off.
If you scratch the bark, do you see green underneath? Green indicates life still in the tree.
We have had some very cold winters for the last couple of years with the late frosts harming many plants in trees in our region.
I garden just south of you and though my Magnolia blossoms were also touched, the tree is in sheltered location and was protected enough to survive.
If you see green on the bark I certainly would give the tree a chance for next year.
Water through to ground freeze if it needs it and mulch the tree roots.
Best of luck.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm