My magnolia tree is about 30 year old, in the SW part of our yard in San Antonio, Texas. Instead of measuring about 6" long, they are now about 3-4".
There are several possibilities. You may want to examine some of the leaves and branches to determine whether you have an infestation or fungus, but it's also possible there could be trouble at the root level. Have you had more rain than usual in your area? Perhaps your tree simply needs a good pruning, given its advanced age. Our best recommendation is to consult with a certified arborist to get to the bottom of this. Here are a couple articles that may be helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/pruning-magnolia-trees.htmhttps://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/sweetbay-magnolia-diseases.htm
The tree is about 20 years old. It looked very healthy this year but much too big for the very small front garden. Was planted by my late mum - I thought she had it cut back a couple of times but I'm a bit shocked to read that this seems to be the worse thing I could have done. Is there anything I can do to help it survive? (You can probably guess I'm not a gardener!) Many thanks.
The article below does say severely pruning a mature magnolia could cause fatal wounds and only do it if necessary.
The thing to do is read up on the care of the type of magnolia you have and make sure it gets the proper watering and fertilization to keep it healthy and resistant to disease and pests. We probably have an article on the care of the variety you have.
Also be vigilant for diseases and pests so you can head them off early. And you may want to try to propagate it in case the tree succumbs.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/pruning-magnolia-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/propagating-magnolia-trees.htm
There is one chamapaca tree which is believed to be very old , I just want to know if they can live more than 2-4 years old if right conditions given?
There isn't, really, an established lifespan for this tree. This will indicate that we don't, quite, know its lifespan. Trees well over 25 years old are very common.
They will, only, survive in zones 10 and 11, though.
This article will help with the care of the tree:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/champaca/caring-for-fragrant-champaca-trees.htm
I really want to move this tree and have the perfect spot for it. But - it has been in position for about 5 years and is about 10 foot tall. Is it possible? If so, how and when? Thanks
Established trees can be moved but it takes some forethought. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/transplanting-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/are-magnolia-roots-invasive.htm
I bought it last year nearing the end of its flowering period but it still had some flowers but this year just looks like a few stick going out of the ground no buds at all. My garden is west facing so it gets some good sun although I would say Sun/Shade. Grateful for some advice Thanks Mary
Unfortunately, your photo did not come through. I am unable to assess the situation.
It sounds like it may have had some trouble getting established, as this can halt flowering the following season. It could be a soil pH/nutrient deficiency, however.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-blooming-problems.htm
We have an ailing 30 foot tall magnolia tree. New street and adjacent home driveway constructions have taken their toll. Any suggestions?
I see the lower limbs have been removed and there are several more limbs suffering from dieback. You can prune out those limbs too, but there wouldn't be much left.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-protection-in-work-zones.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/tree-scratch-test.htm
Hi. I have had a lot of trouble trying to identify my tree/shrub. It was suggested Magnolia, could that be correct. I am also having a lot of trouble trying to work out what is wrong and how to fix it. I have searched for caterpillars and there are non I can see. The brown sections just crumble at the lightest touch. What can I do to save my tree, Please any assistance would be appreciated.
Your tree does appear to have either a fungus or bacterial infection. Make sure your trees roots are not sitting in wet soil, and don't overhead-water the tree. You'll need to remove every bad leaf on the tree and dispose of all the dead leaves and any detritus around it.
Here are two articles that will help you with the problem:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/sweetbay-magnolia-diseases.htm