The leaves of my magnolia tree in my front yard have been turning yellow and falling off. About a month anda half ago, I began some hardscaping in my front yard. I have enclosed the tree with a 1 1/2 foot retaining wall, about 5 foot in diameter. Also, I added more potting soil so I can plant more shrubs inside the wall. I lived in Temecula, southern California where the climate is dry and slightly warmer that the costal region. I have a regular sprinkler system that waters twice daily for 5 minutes. What could be causing this problem?
The roots are suffocating. Trees do not respond well to their roots being covered deeper than they naturally grow. The tree may get use to it, or it may die. There is a 50/50 chance either way. The only way to ensure it returns to good health is to remove the dirt that was placed over its roots.
We have black spots on the underside of the leaves on our Magnolia tree. What are these and what is a natural way to get rid of it? Do we need to get rid of it?
It is most likely scale (which is a lot like aphids). It can be treated with neem oil. These articles will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
The leaves on a well established magnolia tree in my yard is dropping leaves. They turn yellow with spots, like a fungus on a rose bush. I know nothing about caring for trees. Can anyone help me?
To tell the truth, it is likely the same disease that gets on your rosebushes, which is black spot. Trees are susceptible to it as well. Treat the tree with a fungicide and it will recover fine.
I live in an area where standing water is the norm in spring. I've planted so many trees and all have died because of it. I've tried a magnolia and it did well for two years but died in the third, maybe because the water lasted longer then in other years. My lot has no trees at all. Can you suggest what to try next and when can they be planted?
This article has trees listed that may suit your needs:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/wet-soil-trees.htm
The leaves on my recently planted magnolia tree have started to turn yellow.
It sounds like you plant is going into transplant shock. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
The tree is gorgeous, 50+ yrs. old, but nothing will grow under it, too shady. The bare dirt needs something. Is there a type of ground cover I can plant that will grow in a very shady area? I wanted to also put down some flagstone in a walk pattern around it. The area gets very wet in winter and tends to pond up and freeze. I live in New York. Any ideas for an inexpensive, hardy ground cover that will survive northern winters with a lot of snow that will also spread quickly and thrive? Thanks!
I live in Canada and everyone know's how cold our winters get. Under my huge evergreen tree I had the same problem and a real great ground cover that will grow any where is goutweed . I made a octagon frame around my tree with treated landscaping ties added some soil and planted the goutweed, for the first few years I planted annuals to fill in the spaces and now it's full with goutweed, it fixed my problem and looks good too, hope this helps you and good luck
Recently I noticed white, furry bumps on the branches of my Magnolia tree, and the tree is dripping with sap. Please advise what to do. I do not want to lose this tree.
It sounds like it might be mealybug or scale. These articles will help with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm