We're in VA (zone 6) and we planted a teddy bear magnolia last fall. It was doing well, but we had single digit and below zero temps for parts of February + significant lingering snow. The temperature has climbed to 60 degrees during the day in the past few days and I just noticed our magnolia seems to be turning brown. Is this shock from weather change that I just need to wait-and-see about or is there anything I should be doing to help it? Lots of pictures to try to cover all angles. It DOES seem to have some new growth? So I am more inclined to wait-and-see but wanted to know if anyone had experience with this or seen it before in similar trees. Soil is clay-heavy but we mixed compost and gardening soil in when we planted it. Thanks in advance!
by sassyfrassin
4 Comments
For starters, it looks like it’s planted too deep. Remove the soil around the trunk to locate and expose the root flare.
needs continued water. fall is not the best time to plant broadleaf evergreens. two gallons a day for a few days a week.
The mulch “volcano” is not a recommended practice. Google it. 2″ of mulch level and you should be able to see the flare of the trunk at the base. Check soil moisture, to be sure. It is more than likely the cold, but I would also address the other 2 variables.
It’s normal for the leaves to do this when colder temps hit, mine does this every year. The brown leaves will fall off in spring but new leaves and growth will come out, I wouldn’t worry.
Also with you having heavy clay it’s not necessary to water during the fall/winter as the soil will already hold a lot of moisture.