Magnolias are believed to have developed over a billion years ago and been one of the earliest blooming trees. Observing a Magnolia tree close helps you understand why they’re so inspiring.
Since they developed before modern pollinators, they depend on insects to pollinate their enormous, fragrant blooms. Once developed, they are exceptionally resilient and resistant to pests due to their long lifespan.
So, do magnolia trees need a lot of water?
Keep reading to find out.
How Much Water Does Magnolia Need?
Magnolia plants need a great deal of water, particularly in the summer and spring. During these seasons, you must provide your Magnolia Tree with 1 inch of water weekly.
If your region receives insufficient rainwater, you might be required to irrigate your tree using a water droplet mechanism. It is essential to water it regularly to maintain it healthy and blooming.
They are used to frequent precipitation. A healthy Magnolia tree requires between 150 and 200 gallons of water daily.
It is necessary to uniformly distribute this water all across the tree’s root system and maintain moist soil. The tree will endure dieback and other difficulties if the soil gets too dry.
Whenever the water supply is insufficient, these blooming trees are prone to fungus and other illnesses; thus, you must check the accuracy of your water meter and take adequate care of your magnolia tree.
Following these easy instructions guarantees that your Magnolia tree is flourishing and receiving the water, it needs to be healthy.
How Often Should Magnolias Be Watered?
The quantity of irrigation a Magnolia tree needs depends on its development stage. Young Magnolia plants often need more water since their roots need to develop themselves to sustain the tree’s development.
Regularly watering your Magnolia plant will assist it in reaching its full potential. Irrigating the tree at least twice or thrice every week is generally advised.
Nevertheless, you may do a soil test to assess whether or not the tree needs irrigation. You may insert a 6-inch stake into the dirt surrounding the base of your tree. It should be wet when you grasp it with your fingertips and pretty simple to drive the stake in.
If it is difficult to drive the stick into the dirt, it is time to irrigate your Magnolia tree. If you see standing water on the soil’s surface around the tree, allow it to deplete before you water it again.
Can You Overwater a Magnolia Tree?
Yes, it is acceptable to overwater a Magnolia tree. Magnolias enjoy wet soil conditions. However, like most garden plants, they will perish if their roots are frequently submerged in water.
In addition, they may acquire fungal concerns like root rot, which can be fatal to the tree.
What Makes Magnolia Leaves Turn Brown and Fall Off?
In warmer conditions, water quickly evaporates from leaves. Provided the roots’ water absorption and transportation aren’t quick enough to compensate for this loss, the leaves will turn brown and die.
For optimal development, Magnolias need wet soil. When the soil is dry and lacking water, leaf scorch is often severe.
How Can a Dying Magnolia Tree Be Revived?
Typically, Magnolia trees perish because of moisture or irrigation concerns. Both young and older trees may be harmed by excessive or insufficient watering. Ensure that your tree’s planting site has enough drainage; if the soil is soggy, you will need to increase drainage.
How Do You Determine if a Tree Is Over or Under-Watered?
Trees that have not been adequately watered typically have crunchy and crisp foliage similar to those seen in fall.
If you commit this error, you may remove the crispy portions of the leaves. If you overwater your plants, the leaves may get sticky or wilted, yet they will remain brown.
How Should You Care for Magnolia Trees?
Magnolias appreciate wet, well-drained, organic-rich soil, so it is a good idea to add well-rotted compost or manure to the planting hole and carefully mix it. Most magnolias flourish in neutral or slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Do You Need to Mulch Magnolia Trees?
Magnolia trees benefit from mulch, which aids in soil moisture retention and nourishes the roots as it decays. Mulch inhibits the growth of weeds, which may spoil the garden’s appearance and take nutrients from the magnolias.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has supplied you with all the necessary knowledge to avoid overwatering your magnolia plant. Magnolia trees can handle damp and soggy soil for limited periods, but the soil should stay moist for most of the growing season.
Always test the moisture content of your soil before watering since this will give you an excellent sense of your tree’s weekly watering needs.
