Hi All,
Is this tree sick? I don't know what kind of magnolia tree it is but it blooms later on in the summer. It is planted near the edge of a saltwater basin. I didn't plant it. Some of the lower leaves are green but most look like this and are falling off. What should I do?
Thank you,
Adele
This message was edited May 22, 2007 8:23 AM
It is probably salt damage. Many magnolias will grow un alkaline soils, but saltwater will damage or kill the trees. The ground water is most likely high in that area and contaminated with saltwater. The tree roots are probably picking up that saltwater.
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/trees/430-031/430-031.html
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:PZNNBzfQ6O8J:www.treelink.org/joa/1999/july/05appleton.pdf+will+magnolia+trees+grow+near+saltwater&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=8&gl=us
This is a Florida list, you would have to see if they would grow in your area.
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:nEUlMG49SCUJ:www.satellitebeach.org/Trees%2520Fact%2520Sheets%2520(Jan%252007).pdf+trees+that+grow+near+saltwater&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=us
Fig trees might grow in your area.
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=4546
http://www.humeseeds.com/seaside.htm
Southern Magnolias lose a lot of leaves this time of year and generally look pretty sad because of it. Give it a little time and see what happens. This was definitely a hard year for these southern trees up here in the north.
Scott
bettydee: Thanks for the links. They are all very interesting. Now I'm an expert on saltwater and trees. Namely -don't plant trees near saltwater!
Decumbent: Thanks for the words of encouragement and identifying the tree for me.
I hope it makes it because I can't move it.
Thanks again,
Adele
I took a closer look at my tree this afternoon and most of it looks just like your photographed leaf. I recall that every year as everything else is at its peak of perfection, this tree is at its lowest ebb. And my tree is at least a thousand miles from any salt water, except that which drips from my brow (occasionally). Give it a little time. I bet it'll come around soon.
Scott
So when does it look good?
This message was edited May 24, 2007 9:43 PM
Mine is pushing new growth now. I bet yours is too. In a few weeks it'll look good as new.
Scott
I think it would depend on how much salt is in the soil. Some Magnolias can tolerate "saline soil", but I'm not sure whether that means alkaline soil or actual sodium chloride. Most of Texas, except the eastern most part, has a pH of 7+ and Magnolias grow really well here with the exception of a few that need acidic soil. Scott is right, though, in that it might be a good idea to wait until next spring to see if it improves before getting rid of it.
