HELP Problems with my Magnolia

[gardeningmom]

I planted a large saucer magnolia this spring and it was doing fine until a few days ago. The leaves are turning yellow and dropping. There do no seem to be any chew marks and I don't see any bugs. Does anyone know what I might be missing? Yellowing of the leaves I thought meant too much water - but it can't be that because we haven't had much rain around here for quite a while.

[zuzu's petals]

You say that the weather has been dry ... just wondering,
have you been giving your Magnolia supplemental watering?

[gardeningmom]

i haven't given the magnolia supplemental watering but I have water a small bit near because I have some perennials planted nearby.

[zuzu's petals]

I'm just guessing G'mom, but maybe it's not getting quite enough water.
With being a newly planted tree, and not having a fully established root system in it's new location yet,
coupled with the dry weather you've had during this time, which would be it's growing season ...
that might be a problem ...

Most Magnolias like a pretty fair amount of moisture ... not sodden soil,
but regular watering (either rain or supplemental) and a well-draining soil,
at least that's how it is down here in NC,
where there are Magnolias of some sort in nearly every yard.

[gardeningmom]

Thank you for the info - I was thinking they liked it dry. I'll go out tomorrow and deep soak it. Thanks again.

[zuzu's petals]

You are so welcome,
I truly do hope that I'm not steering you wrong and that it helps your tree.

THIS SITE has some great info, (have a look)
and describes the ideal situation for a Saucer Magnolia this way

... sunny location in rich, moist but porous soil.

It also describes them as moderately drought tolerant ...
but that would be for an established specimen.

[gardeningmom]

Thanks again. I will keep a very close eye on it!