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The Daily Insight

Why are the leaves falling off my magnolia tree?

Author

Christopher Pierce

Published May 24, 2026

Why are the leaves falling off my magnolia tree?

Dense shade and shallow roots make it impossible to grow grass beneath the canopy, and the roots often crack and lift pavement if the tree is planted between sidewalk and curb. If you can’t abide leaf drop, this isn’t the magnolia for you, because the leaves of M. grandiflora drop 365 days a year.

Why are there oak trees dying in Missouri?

Sudden oak death. This disease is caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum and has been confirmed in Missouri (2019). The disease was found on rhododendron plants shipped to several retail nurseries within the state. It has many hosts and care must be taken in moving these hosts from place to place.

Where do magnolia trees get their flowers from?

These trees and shrubs hail from China and the Himalayas and are generally less cold hardy than other evergreen magnolias. They’re renowned for their profuse, wonderfully fragrant flowers, which are borne among their leaves as opposed to the ends of the branches.

What kind of magnolia tree has Saucer Flowers?

Sweet bay (M. virginiana), a smaller tree, is easier to fit into most gardens. M. grandiflora. Deciduous magnolias with saucer flowers. This group includes the popular saucer magnolia (M. x soulangeana) and its myriad selections, often called tulip trees because of the shape and bright color of their flowers.

Are there any diseases that can affect magnolia trees?

Magnolias are so tough that many tree owners will never notice any real problems throughout their tree’s life, but when a sick magnolia tree is identified, the causal agent may be serious. There are several common magnolia diseases that you should be aware of, even if you’re lucky enough to never have to do anything with that information.

What should you do if your magnolia tree has fungus?

Control and Prevention: As the fungi can live in soil for very long duration, it is difficult to eradicate them completely. If a magnolia tree develops this condition, remove the infected branches and burn them, along with the debris. There are chances that the infected trees regain its growth and outgrow the disease.

What to do in case of Magnolia disease?

In case of severe infection, copper fungicides can be used as per the instructions of a horticulturist. Make sure that your magnolia tree is getting enough sunlight, water and fertilizer. Healthy trees are not usually found to develop algae spots. Apart from that, improve air movement by pruning the dense foliage.

What causes algal spots on a magnolia tree?

Sometimes, certain types of fungi may also colonize the algal spots. Causes: So this is a magnolia tree disease that is caused by parasitic algae named Cephaleuros virescens. The spores of the algae are produced during summer and are dispersed during rains or by wind.