Magnolia trees are a beautiful and popular addition to any yard. While these trees are relatively low-maintenance, a few diseases can affect magnolia trees. This guide will help you identify common magnolia tree diseases so you can keep your magnolia tree healthy and thriving.
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Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is one of the most common magnolia tree diseases and is caused by a fungus that attacks the leaves. Symptoms include brown or black spots that appear on the leaves, which can spread and cause the leaves to drop prematurely. This issue is mostly aesthetic and generally does not cause serious health problems, however it can persist and be a sign the the tree lacks the proper nutrients.
Treatment: Healthy trees are less susceptible to diseases like leaf spot, we recommend applying a Bio-Stimulant twice per year to keep your magnolia tree happy and healthy.
Wood Rot
Wood rot is caused by a fungus that attacks the bark of your magnolia tree. One of the most common symptoms is fruiting bodies (or mushrooms) growing on the trunk of your tree. To prevent wood rot, ensure your trees are pruned properly and at the right time.
Treatment: Infected wood should be removed to prevent the spread of fungal spores and prevent healthy areas of the tree from becoming infected. RTEC Treecare then applies a fungicide to the remaining wood.
Root Rot
Unlike wood rot, which sometimes does not show symptoms other than fruiting bodies, root rot comes with various symptoms, including reduced growth and vigor, dieback in the crown, and fungal growth at the tree’s base. Root rot is caused by fungal pathogens that enter the roots of the tree, usually due to the tree being in less-than-ideal conditions. Poor drainage, wounding of exposed roots, wet soil, and poor planting technique can result in root rot.
Treatment: Unfortunately, root rot is generally not curable, so prevention is key. Have one of our certified arborists evaluate the tree to determine if Root Rot is present and if there is a possible treatment.
Magnolia Tree Diseases – Prevention and Treatment
These are just a few of the diseases that can effect magnolia trees. If you suspect that your magnolia tree is having issues it’s best to have a certified arborist take a look and advise a course of treatment.
Magnolia trees are a stunning addition to any yard and are relatively low maintenance compared to many other popular landscape plantings. However, if your magnolia becomes sick, understanding the symptoms and treatments for common magnolia tree diseases can help you keep your magnolia tree healthy and beautiful for many years.
Charles TApril 2, 2024.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I connected with RTEC through a neighbor who was interviewing RTEC for tree work on her yard. Ben was very thorough looking at the trees that I thought needed work. He understood my desire to keep the trees healthy and reduce falling limbs. The price my small job seemed reasonable. The crew came on Friday for the contract I signed on Monday. I was able to speak with the crew leader and give him my perspective on the work needed before I had to leave for another engagement. When I returned, the work was done just as Ben and I had discussed and I discussed with Pedro. The yard was cleared of debris. I was pleased with the result and there was honestly nothing to criticize. Mandy NeumanMarch 28, 2024.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used RTEC Treecare both at my home and for a commercial job and I have been very happy with them. They are professional, knowledgable, and great to work with. Communication was a breeze! I highly recommend them! Nancy RodgersMarch 28, 2024.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. RTEC treated my crape myrtles and saved them from disease. My yard looks great since I started using RTEC last year! They are so knowledgeable and helpful! Todd FriedlanderMarch 25, 2024.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a large (4’) diameter maple tree at the end of our driveway (and neighbor’s driveway) that needed to come down. We worked with RTEC on a removal strategy that wouldn’t impact our neighbors. When we came home that evening the tree and the cleanup was so thorough I joked with my wife that “someone had stolen our tree!” RTEC is masterful in their work, true skilled professionals! Janet FrankMarch 19, 2024.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. RTEC Tree has been taking care of our front Zelkova with biostimulant treatments for several years now. We had extensive front hard and landscape construction completed around the Zelkova, and the tree came through beautifully with no shock whatsoever. They recently pruned our Zelkova, and they preserved the shape of the tree. Upon pruning, they noticed a nest of 3 baby squirrels in the crook of two of the limbs. They respected that nest and notified me that they worked around the nest. Thank you, RTEC! They also removed 4 dead or suspect limbs from an oak tree adjoining our back yard. The limbs were hanging over our fence and house. They cleaned up all the debris after carefully lowering the limbs without damage to our patio furniture and grill. They respect the existing new landscaping. RTEC has also removed diseased trees from our property over the years, including an oak tree from the Resource Protection Area (which was not on our property). They worked with Fairfax County to file all paperwork to remove the tree which posed a hazard to the surrounding homes including ours. RTEC has all the equipment to deal with any tree problem and their crews are pleasant to interact with. Ben Gotch has been our consultant and he is tuned into the homeowner. Very detail oriented and thorough. He kept us apprised of our service especially if scheduling modifications needed to be made. RTEC arrived on time and finished the jobs in an efficient manner, cleaning up all the debris. I very highly recommend RTEC for all your tree needs. Tyler AnbinderMarch 6, 2024.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love RTEC. Ben is especially great. He's the only tree guy who has ever told me not to do tree work, which to me shows honesty compared to the other guys, whose only solution is always to cut the tree down. Jose SalazarFebruary 23, 2024.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service! Udit MinochaFebruary 15, 2024.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We've been using RTEC Treecare for about 5 years for pruning, tree removal, and the Bio-stimulant Program for our old maple tree that keeps the house cool in the summer. We really like that they have knowledgeable arborists on staff and know what they're doing. Linda D.February 9, 2024.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have been using for many years. professional and detailed in treatments and pruning. Carol AtenFebruary 6, 2024.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have used RTEC Treecare for over 10 years and have really appreciated their attention to keeping our trees and shrubs in good health. We have a number large trees that have needed various treatments and have been pleased to be able to maintain them in a healthy and attractive condition. I highly recommend them and their arborist Ben Gotch.Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 245 reviews