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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    August 5, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Magnolia trees do not have male and female trees (though some other kinds of trees do). Both the male and female parts of the flower are contained on the same blossom.

    If I had to guess, I would bet your magnolia is planted in the middle of a lawn that gets a lot of attention, especially in regards to fertilizer. Lawn fertilizer is high in nitrogen, which makes for lots of green growth but few flowers. If there is enough of it, it can actually stop a plant from blooming.

    Try adding some bone meal (or other phosphorous heavy fertilizer) around the tree at least a few feet from the trunk. This will help offset the nitrogen. Also, if possible, try not to use lawn fertilize under the magnolia tree.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    July 31, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Have you fertilized? The soil could be lacking phosphorus, which is responsible for blooming. Get a soil test to know for certain. In the meantime, it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and add some phosphorus-rich fertilizer or bone meal to the soil to help encourage flowering in your tree.

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    August 19, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Once they are established, magnolias typically do not need to be watered unless you are experiencing drought conditions. Right now, much of the country is experiencing drought conditions, so you may need to water.

    If this is the case, once a week is good. The water should be done so that it covers from the trunk all the way out to about a foot or so beyond the edge of the tree's canopy. 2-4 inches of water should be put down at each watering.

    Watering is best done in the early morning or early evening.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    September 24, 2012
    Certified Expert
  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    October 9, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    The tree is stressed from a watering or nutrient issue or pest of some kind. Check the soil for excessive moisture. You may need to improve drainage to the area. Also, get a soil test to see what, if anything, is lacking and fix as necessary. Finally, check the tree carefully for signs of pests. Neem oil is an effective treatment for most insect pests.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    October 12, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can prune it to your desired appearance. Just take no more than a third of the plant at one time. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/pruning-magnolia-trees.htm

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