How to Care for a Saucer Magnolia Tree

If you have a saucer magnolia tree in your yard, it is important to know how to care for it properly. These trees are beautiful and can add a touch of elegance to any landscape, but they need the right care in order to thrive. In this blog post, we will cover the best ways to take care of your saucer magnolia tree so that it can live a long and healthy life!

What is a Saucer Magnolia Tree?

A saucer magnolia tree is a type of deciduous tree that is native to East Asia. The scientific name for this tree is Magnolia x soulangiana. Saucer magnolia trees are known for their large, showy flowers that bloom in early spring. These flowers can be white, pink, or purple in color and are often fragrant. The saucer magnolia tree gets its name from the shape of its flowers, which resemble a saucer or cup.

Saucer magnolia trees are a popular choice for landscaping because of their beautiful flowers and striking appearance. These trees can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of 30 feet or more. Saucer magnolia trees are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you should know in order to keep your tree healthy and happy.

Did you know: The saucer magnolia tree was created by crossing a Yyulan magnolia with a Lily magnolia!

How to Care for a Saucer Magnolia Tree

Watering Your Saucer Magnolia Tree

One of the most important aspects of caring for a saucer magnolia tree is providing it with enough water. These trees need to be watered regularly, especially during the summer months when they are actively growing. The best way to water your saucer magnolia tree is to soak the ground around the tree deeply and thoroughly. This means that you should not just give the tree a quick splash of water; make sure that the roots are getting enough moisture by watering slowly and carefully.

The Proper Soil for Your Saucer Magnolia Tree

Another important factor in caring for your saucer magnolia tree is the type of soil it grows in. These trees prefer well-drained, sandy soils. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, you may need to amend it with some organic matter such as compost or peat moss. This will help to improve drainage and make it easier for the roots to absorb nutrients.

When Should You Fertilize Your Saucer Magnolia Tree?

Fertilizing your saucer magnolia tree is important in order to keep it healthy and promote growth. These trees should be fertilized twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, or in the summer and winter. A slow-release fertilizer is a good choice for saucer magnolia trees. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging, as too much fertilizer can damage the roots of your tree.

Pruning Your Saucer Magnolia Tree

Pruning is another important aspect of caring for your saucer magnolia tree. These trees should be pruned after flowering is complete so flower buds are not removed. . Pruning helps to promote healthy growth and can also help to shape the tree. When pruning your saucer magnolia tree, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. You should also cut back any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other.

The Right Light for Your Saucer Magnolia Tree

Last but not least, it is important to choose the right location for your saucer magnolia tree. These trees prefer full sun, meaning they should get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, young saucer magnolia trees may need some afternoon shade in order to prevent sunburn. Once your tree is established, it will be more tolerant of different light conditions.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Saucer magnolia trees are relatively tolerant of different temperature and humidity conditions. However, they prefer milder climates and do not do well in areas that experience extreme cold or heat. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you may need to provide your saucer magnolia tree with some afternoon shade.

Common Problems with Saucer Magnolia Trees

One of the most common problems with saucer magnolia trees is powdery mildew. This fungal disease can cause the leaves of your tree to become covered in a white, powdery substance. Powdery mildew is more likely to occur in humid or shady conditions. If you think your tree has powdery mildew, you should contact a certified arborist or tree care professional for treatment options.

Another common problem with saucer magnolia trees is root rot. This fungal disease can kill the roots of your tree, causing it to become unstable and eventually topple over. Root rot is most likely to occur in wet, poorly drained soils. If you think your tree has root rot, immediately contact a TreeNewal certified arborist for treatment options.

For more info on Root Rot, take a look at our recent post Root Rot of Texas Trees.

Caring for a saucer magnolia tree is not difficult, but it does require some effort. By following the tips in this article, you can help your tree to stay healthy and thrive for many years to come!

If you need advice or assistance with keeping your saucer magnolia trees in their best shape year-round, get in touch with the ISA-certified arborists at TreeNewal and enjoy tailored tree care advice.

To learn more about How to Care for a Saucer Magnolia Tree, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

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