Caring for plants is one of the most rewarding hobbies a person could ever keep. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – nature is the gift that gives back. We’re here to help you (and your plants) do well, whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a self-proclaimed plant parent, or a new plant lover.
Wintertime is a scary season for a lot of plant lovers. It’s cold, it’s dark, and it’s windy. Just like us, your trees behave differently during these conditions, so they have different care requirements.
Since growing Magnolia trees is what we do best as a business, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about taking care of your tree in the winter. You can give your whole garden the love it needs because most of this information works for other types of trees too.
Because they’re one of the oldest types of tree on earth, magnolias have evolved so many species. No matter what species you’re working with, trees can be separated into two main categories: deciduous and evergreen.
If you don’t know what these plant names mean, here it is: evergreen trees stay green, just like their name says. Always. No matter the season, they keep verdant leaves on their branches. Trees like cedars, firs, and other popular Christmas trees are perfect examples. The Southern Magnolia, or Magnolia Grandiflora, is also an evergreen.
Deciduous trees are the trees you think of when you imagine a beautiful fall forest. When the weather gets cooler, these trees lose their leaves on a regular basis to save energy and nutrients for the winter. The leaves change color as the leaves cease their photosynthesis process, and then they drop. When spring comes, the greenery regrows as nutrients and other resources are available again with warmer temperatures. Oaks and maples are common examples of deciduous trees. Star Magnolia, Saucer Magnolia, and Magnolia Ann’s are all deciduous varieties of magnolia, too.
Even though both evergreen and deciduous magnolias need the same things in the winter, you can expect to see slightly different behaviors from each type.
For deciduous varieties, good news! You really don’t need to do much for them. When the tree loses its leaves, it goes into a mode where it saves energy, which is a lot like when some animals hibernate. Trees lose energy and water through their leaves. If the tree has no leaves, its water retention is excellent. Since this is the case, it’s best to drastically cut down on how much water you give the tree here.
Evergreen magnolias also prefer less water during the winter. When the leaves turn yellow, that’s normal. Just remember that the tree is trying to save energy. Evergreen trees do drop leaves periodically to make room for new, healthy growth. Seasonal yellowing and some dropping is healthy and completely non-threatening to the tree.
Magnolia trees are prized for their beautiful, fragrant blooms that signal the arrival of spring. But these showy trees evolved in warmer climates, making them prone to winter damage in areas with freezing temperatures. If you live in a colder region, you may wonder: should I cover my magnolia tree in winter? Proper cold protection can help safeguard vulnerable magnolias until warmer weather returns.
In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies for shielding magnolia trees from harsh winter conditions. You’ll learn when to cover them, what methods work best, and how to promote the healthiest growth next season. Follow these tips to keep your magnolia looking its best through the winter months
Understanding Magnolia Winter Vulnerability
Magnolias thrive in their native warm environments where winters stay frost-free. When grown outside their comfort zone in areas with substantial freezes the trees can sustain damage. Buds, blossoms, new growth, and even branches and trunks are at risk.
Evergreen magnolias rarely experience serious cold injury as their leathery foliage is more winter hardy. Deciduous types with softer wood and early blooming habits are most susceptible including saucer magnolia, star magnolia, and Loebner magnolia. Hybrids bred from these species, such as Jane and Ann magnolias, are also vulnerable.
Younger, establishing trees are more prone to cold damage until their root systems mature. Harsh winds can further dry out and desiccate exposed bark and buds. Heavy snow or ice accumulation puts extra strain on branches as well.
Cold Protection Strategies
When winter lingers with sub-freezing temperatures, covering magnolia trees helps conserve warmth and shield tender tissues. Follow these tips to keep your magnolia cozy until spring:
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Insulate roots: Apply 4-6 inches of organic mulch like bark, leaves or wood chips over the soil around the base to prevent roots from freezing.
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Wrap the trunk: Secure a layer of commercial tree wrap or burlap around the main trunk up to the first branches to protect the bark.
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Shield branches: Loosely cover smaller trees with burlap or a breathable fabric secured with stakes to block wind and retain warmth without crushing the branches.
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Provide shelter: Erect a temporary wooden framework around the tree draped with tarps to form an insulating shelter. Make sure it allows for ample air circulation.
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Manage exposure: If possible, plant vulnerable magnolias in protected microclimates like the south side of buildings or against windbreaks.
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Prune carefully: Avoid heavy pruning that removes the dormant flower buds and stimulates excessive new growth going into winter.
When to Apply Winter Protection
Timing is key when applying cold protection for magnolias. Ideally, have your plan in place by late fall before temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods. Here are some guidelines on when to protect magnolias:
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Insulate soil with mulch after the ground freezes over, generally by late November or December.
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Wrap trunks and branches once foliage drops in late fall and magnolias enter dormancy.
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Shield evergreen magnolias just before the harshest part of winter from January through March.
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Monitor forecasts and cover trees proactively when extreme cold snaps of -10°F (-23°C) or lower are imminent.
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Remove coverings by early to mid spring as the weather warms and new growth emerges to avoid trapping moisture against tender new tissues.
Assessing for Winter Damage
Despite your best efforts, magnolias may still sustain some injury after a particularly harsh winter. Signs to look for once warmer weather arrives include:
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Discolored, brittle or shriveled flower buds and new leaves or shoots
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Broken, hanging or drooping branches
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Cracked, peeling or sunken areas on trunks or bark
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Delayed leaf emergence and reduced flowering
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Dieback of twigs and small branches
While mild damage can be pruned away, severely damaged branches should be removed back to healthy wood. Make clean cuts just above outward facing buds or limbs. Avoid over-pruning, and let the tree gradually recover over a few seasons.
Encouraging Vigorous Regrowth
With proper care, magnolias can rebound after winter dieback. Follow these tips to get them thriving again:
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer when new growth resumes in spring.
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Water consistently as needed through summer dry periods while avoiding over-saturation.
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Allow the tree to naturally replace damaged areas, and avoid severe rejuvenation pruning.
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Monitor for pests and diseases that can further stress the tree while it’s recuperating.
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Consider providing winter protection annually until the tree establishes a robust framework better able to withstand winter extremes.
With careful preparation and responsive aftercare, you can help protect your magnolia investment through the chilly off-season. Follow the winter coverage tips outlined here, and you’ll be rewarded with an eruption of enchanting blossoms when spring finally arrives.
The Number One Mistake Growers Make: Overwatering
If you plant your magnolia tree in the ground, whether it’s deciduous or evergreen, it will get enough water from the rain and snow. In other words, don’t turn on the sprinklers. Even if you don’t see any new branches, your tree’s roots are still growing below the ground to get more water and energy.
If you haven’t seen any rainfall or snowfall in about three weeks, sure, give your tree a drink. Otherwise, leave it alone.
Not only that, but if your magnolia tree isn’t established—that is, if you keep it in a pot instead of planting it in the ground—you still need to cut down on how much water it uses. However, you’ll need to be mindful of how often you water it. As always, use the finger test. Bone dry soil needs a splash of water. If the soil is damp to the touch, put the watering can down.
Again, you should only need to water your magnolia tree about every three weeks in the winter if it isn’t getting any natural rain or snow.
It’s easy to forget, but plants can get too cold. The best gardeners check out the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Map so they know exactly how tolerant their leafy friends are during the winter months.
Container-planted/non established plants are the easiest to manage in the winter. Simply move them into a garage, porch, or indoors altogether. They’ll be happiest by a sunny window. We especially recommend this placement for young, small Southern Magnolias and for citrus trees.
Keeping established trees warm during the winter requires a little more creativity. Frankly, if it’s a tree, it’s going to be difficult to cover. A thick blanket or some other form of insulation should be used to cover the trunk all the way down to the ground. A sheet or tarp over smaller trees’ branches goes a long way towards keeping it warm, too.
Depending on the layout of your yard, consider giving your tree its own heat source. This could mean putting the tree in the side yard next to your HVAC unit or water heater. Many people in the south choose to plant their magnolias in a protected area, like a side yard, so the tree is safe from strong winter winds.
It’s important that you do everything you can to prevent your magnolia tree from getting frostbite. If the plant lives, the dead branches must be cut off and the tree must be pruned back before it blooms again.
Avoid These 5 Five Mistakes When Growing and Planting Magnolias
FAQ
Do magnolia trees need to be covered for frost?
How do I protect my magnolia tree in winter?
Do I need to wrap my magnolia tree?
How do you overwinter magnolias?
How do you protect a magnolia tree in winter?
Protect a young magnolia tree in winter from hungry rodents and rabbits by wrapping hardware cloth around the trunk, then pound several 4- to 5-foot-tall stakes into the ground, 18 inches from the tree’s trunk and branches. The stakes should be taller than the tree.
Do magnolia trees need to be covered in winter?
We especially recommend this placement for young, small Southern Magnolias and for citrus trees. Keeping established trees warm during the winter requires a little more creativity. Frankly, if it’s a tree, it’s going to be difficult to cover.
How do you protect a magnolia tree from rabbits?
Prune to a shrub or tree form while removing broken, crossing, dead twigs and branches as well as water sprouts. Protect a young magnolia tree in winter from hungry rodents and rabbits by wrapping hardware cloth around the trunk, then pound several 4- to 5-foot-tall stakes into the ground, 18 inches from the tree’s trunk and branches.
Do magnolia trees need care?
In conclusion, growing and caring for magnolia trees can be a rewarding endeavor, yielding stunning flowers and adding beauty to your outdoor space. By understanding the specific needs of your chosen magnolia species and providing proper care, you can enjoy the splendor of these magnificent trees for years to come.