What is wrong with my magnolia tree?
It is losing its leaves very fast. I don’t know if I am over or underwatering it. I have a nonbearing pear tree and the roots are surfacing in my backyard. This makes it hard to walk on the grass. A: As you may know, magnolias are really out of their element in the desert. There are several types of magnolias. I am guessing you have the one with the large white to pinkish flowers, the Southern or grandiflora type. Actually I think the Star or even the Cucumber magnolia would have a better chance of making it here than the Southern. It is too hot, too dry, the soils are too alkaline and saline and the sun is too intense for the Southern to do well here. This is a tree that in its native habitat likes to grow under other trees in moist locations. There are many things working against you and your magnolia. The magnolias I have seen planted here don’t last very long. I am watching two now decline in town. Both have what I would consider an outside chance of making it for awhile. They are
