Stressed southern magnolia, need advice.
dsunmd
7 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (12)
dsunmd
7 years agoRelated Discussions
Help with Southern Magnolia!
Comments (18)Severe deformities right at the base of the trunk are frequent, these are due to overly long spells in small pots or bands, without any rectification occurring when the stock is bumped up. Enough new roots escape the original knot to keep the top coming along well enough for the plant to be sold and shipped. However, such specimens may need stout stakes to remain upright while still in nursery sizes. This is why you see so much non-climbing material at outlets that is trussed up like vines. Later these plants may often be able to have the stake taken away and perhaps grow for decades, only to lean or topple completely when adversities such as snow loads overcome the incomplete anchorage dating back to that time in the small container. It seems planting a root-bound specimen of a tall, pole-like fast-growing species such as a gum or pine could be quite a hazard in the making....See MoreHow hardy is southern magnolia, really?
Comments (42)Actually the hardiest cultivars of Southern Magnolia are hardy to temps between -20°F(-29°C) and -25°F(-31.7°C). But that's for relatively short periods of time (hours, not days). Protection from winter sun and wind are both important in preventing leaf burning. I think winter sun protection is a little more important with this though. Even though a tree might have lots of leaf burning, it often will not have any stem or wood damage. The ideal spot to plant one in a border line area would be against a NW facing wall, which would give plenty of heat during the summer (plus retain some heat longer into the night during winter) and also afford some winter sun protection since the sun sets in the SW during the winter(in the Northern hemisphere). Some people in zone 5 that try to grow Southern Magnolias many times report they act more like deciduous trees in having most all of their leaves burned off during the winter, but releaf out in the spring and bloom, so no wood damage is done. I grow more than 1 dozen cultivars of Southern Magnolia here in zone 6 KS and none have been killed or had much of a problem with winter hardiness. Even the supposedly less winter hardy cultivar 'Little Gem' grows fine for me. I also know of many decent sized trees(30'-50'(9-15m) tall range) in the Kansas City metro area which have been through their all time record low temp of -22°F(-30°C) and the very tough, cold winters of the late 1970's and early 1980's. So, I think in general most Southern Magnolias are zone 6 hardy and a few can make it in protected spots in zone 5. Duration of cold is important as is summer heat. If you live in a colder area with abundant summer heat(temps mostly in the 80's(26°-31°C) or warmer for most of summer), you probably have a better chance at growing Southern Magnolia than an area with little or no summer heat and relatively mild winters....See MoreAdvice about Using Live Oaks & Magnolias to Screen Views
Comments (2)Sherry: Thank you for the wise advice. You are so knowledgeable (and it's interesting that so many of the same plants thrive in southeastern Va and Mississippi). I'll take your advice. Southern wax myrtle grows fast here. I prune the wax myrtle trees that grow on the beach - they have interesting forms and pruning allows you to see this. In general, magnolias grow fast here too. I planted a couple of sweetbay magnolias last year during the drought. They had a tough time but are doing great now, have grown taller and filled out. I have no experience with live oaks but hear they are slow. Thanks for the advice about ways to work around them. Two years ago, I planted a weeping yaupon holly near the house. That holly got off to a bad start when a tropical storm rolled through four months later, uprooted it, and left it 100 feet away. I watered it with fresh water and replanted it, and continued to water it until winter. Now, two years later, it has doubled in size. I'm a big fan of yaupon hollies! I have a lot of work to do. Most could and should be done in the fall. Although fall planting is best for most plants (I think mag grands are an exception), it's hard to find good stock in the fall. So we run around like crazy people in the spring, trying to get everything planted before the summer heat hits. Then we have to water like crazy to keep things alive. It's crazy! Fall is so much better. I just wish I could find good stock in the fall. BTW: All the trees I planted this spring (except the baby seedlings) had a good helping of Black Hen chicken manure. Thank you!...See MoreMoving Southern Magnolia
Comments (13)I've no familiarity with southern magnolias. But I have moved a few things people though I couldn't. For digging out, if you can't get to the bottom of the rootball, I've dug a deep trench around the roots, packed a sturdy chain into the bottom of the trench, then hooked both ends of the chain to the tow ball of a 4x4, and pulled the chain under the rootball, severing the bottom roots. To get the tree into the truck bed, I'd use a ramp and see if it's possible to roll or drag it up the ramp with help on the rootball. I'd wrap the rootball with a tarp and tie it on so it doesn't slip off. I'd also wrap the branches as much as possible to keep them together and avoid more damage. Having a few muscular friends to help isn't a bad idea. If it's a just a bit too heavy, try finding a way to brace a 2x4 in the front of the bed, then using a come-along tied around the rootball to drag it into the bed, or even onto a trailer.. Or try pulling from one of the bed tie-down points.... I don't know what a tree spade costs...but I'd think the transport costs might be more expensive than the spade. Maybe worth checking on if the new location is close by.... Keep us posted! vince...See Moredsunmd
7 years agodsunmd
7 years agoI found an old picture. It is the dry well and the base of tree. Not much soil under the tree, pretty much all rocks. Now is all grass around the tree base.
Related Stories
ENTERTAINING8 Stress-Busting Tips for Hosting Small Gatherings
Make entertaining easy with these ideas for casual get-togethers
Full Story
DECORATING GUIDES10 Design Tips Learned From the Worst Advice Ever
If these Houzzers’ tales don’t bolster the courage of your design convictions, nothing will
Full Story
LIFEGet the Family to Pitch In: A Mom’s Advice on Chores
Foster teamwork and a sense of ownership about housekeeping to lighten your load and even boost togetherness
Full Story
OUTDOOR PROJECTSBring In the Birds With a Homemade Bubble Rock
An avian expert from Southern Indiana shows how to make a burbling fountain that migrating birds will love
Full Story
ORGANIZINGHow Much Stuff Is Enough?
Play the numbers game to streamline your belongings, for a neater home and a less-stressed you
Full Story
SELLING YOUR HOUSEThe Latest Info on Renovating Your Home to Sell
Pro advice about where to put your remodeling dollars for success in selling your home
Full Story
WINTER GARDENINGPruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses
Encourage gorgeous blooms year after year with this time-tested advice on how to prune your rosebush in winter for health and shape
Full Story
LIFEYou Said It: ‘I Knew This Home Had to Be Mine’ and More Quotables
Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week
Full Story
DECLUTTERINGSmall Steps for Keeping Your Housekeeping Resolutions
Take a different approach this year, making simple, positive changes that add up before you know it
Full Story
ROOM OF THE DAYRoom of the Day: Right-Scaled Furniture Opens Up a Tight Living Room
Smaller, more proportionally fitting furniture, a cooler paint color and better window treatments help bring life to a limiting layout
Full Story
Trent A (9a/Gulf coast)