We recently had a magnolia and 2 newport plum trees planted. All trees are young but have some establishment as they are full of leaves. How often should we water them and how much water should they need? We purchased a soil meter to monitor the moisture. Right now we water 2 or 3 times a wk and the soil usually reads between 6 and 10. We have noticed tree stress since the nursery planted them. What can we do to save our trees??
Why are there holes in the young Newport plum? I hope you don't already have tree borers. I would contact the nursery about the holes. Newport needs moist, well-draining soil. They may be getting too much water if the moisture meter gets over 7.
Magnolias also prefer moist soil, but not saturated. I would cut back the watering a bit and see if that helps.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/cherry-plum/growing-newport-plum-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/newport-plum-tree-care.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-care.htm
My magnolia tree has a large hole in the trunk at the soil line (see picture). The tree has not grown in many years but it is still alive with lots of green leaves and some flowers in season. What can (or should) I do to treat the hole?
This is a very old injury. It looks like it stays in saturated soils, which will cause this. From here, it is best to let the tree live the rest of its life out.
In the future, it is best to find a spot that does have a chance to dry out some. Down to an inch or two, very thoroughly, will be appropriate for most Magnolia trees.
Here is a collection of articles to help you with future plantings:
What is this on the leaf of my Magnolia Tree
Looks like the remnants of mealy bug damage. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/mealybugs-control.htm
How do I care for my star magnolia in the fall and winter. I live in new jersey
You live in hardiness zone 7a, and these trees are hardy to zone 5, so it should be Ok in a container. However, be sure to mulch it well, and if unusually cold extremes are predicted, I would also wrap the container in burlap or some other protective material.
These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/how-to-grow-container-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/growing-trees-in-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/caring-for-star-magnolia-trees.htm
Hi I had a look at your past questions but couldn't find anything similar. My young magnolia plant which I've had for two years recently started losing most of its leaves, the remaining leaves look healthy though. Parts of the stem look like they're being eaten by something, see pic. Can you please advise? Many thanks :)
You didn't mention what the leaves look like before they fall;it's possible you have some type of scale eating away at your trees. If so, these articles may help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-is-attracting-wasps.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
I believe I see holes in the bark and wood boring insects are a more serious matter. You may want to contact a certified arborist for help. In addition, if you have university extension services like we have in the U.S., they should be able to help you. This article may be of interest:
https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/publications/wood-boring-insects-of-trees-and-shrubs/
i have a yellow bird magnolia that has several stems coming from thbase so it is more like a bush than a tree. how do i train it to be a tree? i don't want to cut all the stems off and pick one to be the main trunk. probable should do it after it has blossomed in the spring. maybe cut a few at a time?
Magnolias and other trees are usually trained or grafted young to create that perfect "tree" shape. Pruning a more mature tree to just one main trunk may not be the ideal situation. But, yes, if picking off slender stems one by one near the base may possibly create the shape you desire, you can do that once the flowers fade.
Happy gardening!
Hi.I found a magnolia tree (I think) and I want to save it. It has the leaves brown from the outside to the inside. What should I do? Im attaching pictures of leaves and branches.
These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/yellow-magnolia-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-care.htm