We have two eight year old magnolias in a small garden. We just discovered that the roots have almost completely taken over the soil of the garden. They created a mat of small rootlets that mass near the surface and made the garden impossible to dig and seem to be damaging many of the flowers. Any suggestion on handling this? Edit: That wasn't clear--I spent an afternoon digging the roots out of 1/3 of the garden--I'm just wondering if this is necessary, and if so what is the best way to keep the roots in check!
Messing with the roots of magnolias may often be resented. You may have to change the layout if you want to keep the magnolias, with different, shade etc. adapted plants being grown near/under them instead. And these being planted by adding minimal layers of well-aerated soil over the roots instead of digging planting holes among the roots.
The trouble is the trees are about ten feet apart. Under the trees I have some primroses, and they are doing fine. It is out in the main garden, well away from the trees, that we have a problem. These roots are unbelievably thick in the top inches of soil! If there is no way to have a garden near these magnolia it looks like we'll have to find them a new home....
It looks more and more like these star magnolia will need a new home. Know anyone interested in having a pair of almost 8 ft beauties? They are in West Van, for those interested.
