Just for background, we moved into this brand new subdivision a year ago. Early this spring, we completely landscaped our yard, based on an organic system. We planted a big magnolia tree we purchased, and I am not sure if it is sick or not. It has yellowing leaves that drop off, which I have read is normal, but to what extent I am unsure. The leaves don't look as full as some I havew seen, but I have also seen other magnolias that are pretty bare. The tree is flowering as it should, but has some gross beetle living in the flowers. The only other bugs I have seen on the tree are ladybugs (we released a bunch after we planted our gardens) and wasps. Would someone please educate this new gardener as to what is normal for this type of tree?

-Sarah

You just planted the tree, right? Well the first year in the ground in a new site will always be a tad stressful for any tree.

Only times I see that significantly reduced is if planting took place the previous fall.

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Shepherd of the Trees
It is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succor of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields we know so that those who live after may have clean earth to till.

Agree.

I had a Magnolia at my previous site, it was a relatively fresh planting when we bought the house. We lived there for 15 years and the tree dropped leaves continuously all year long. Enjoy the tree and the lovely flowers.

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Keeping it clean and green here, Boss.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

We spread epsom salt, aerated the root zone, followed all Howard's instructions to the letter, and the tree is shriveling up and dying. All the new growth is shriveling up and dropping off. Darnit, I love that tree. At least we can get our money back.