About three years ago my beautiful full-grown magnolia was hit by an ice storm. I watched as the top leaves turned dark green. I have hoped that it would recover but all of the leaves are brown now. Last year it put out horizontal branches and leaves but they are now dead. This year I have some leaves coming out at the bottom. Would pruning help? I think the trunk cracked at the top. I read some of the posts to other magnolia questions. I've been searching for information online because I don't know what to do and I don't want to kill the tree if it can be saved. I don't have the money to hire a professional. Can anyone advise me? The tree is about two stories high and it was so beautiful. I don't want to cut it down.
Oh, gosh, I sympathize. Magnolias are one of my favorites---esp. huge beautiful ones like yours. I know that their expertise doesn't come cheap, but, if at all possible, consult a certified arborist. How about asking at your local nursery? (Not a place with staff who sell plants, but with staff who KNOW plants.) How about a university or arboretum in your area? http://www.mrgrow.com/Problem Solver/magnolia.htm The second entry might be of help to you. GOOD LUCK to both you and the tree! Welcome to the Forum, and let us know how it goes.
http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/index.html Try this---hey! It says "Contact Us"---why not??? Worth a shot!
Thank you for your suggestions. I didn't think about our local university. Surely someone there knows something or can suggest someone who does. If necessary I'll pay to save it if that's possible. I didn't dare try doing anything to it myself without researching first. I figure I'll only get one shot. I hope I haven't waited too long. Thanks again, Whitney
