Magnolia tree are prized for their showy , fragrant blooms and riotous green leaf . But sometimes those large waxy leave-taking formulate unsightly mordant spots . These dark-skinned blotch or dit can appear throughout the time of year vitiate the tree ’s beauty and cause parting to sink prematurely .
If your magnolia Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree has black spots on its leaves , you in all likelihood have a fungal disease Catching and treating magnolia leafage spot fungus ahead of time is key to protecting the tree ’s health
Common Causes of Black Leaf Spots
There are a few common fungal culprits behind pitch-black spot on magnolia leaves
leafage berth fungus – Fungi like cercospora and phyllosticta magnoliae cause modest , rotary leaf spots . They often have yellow edges and can mix into tumid splotch .
Sooty mold – This black mold feeds on the honeydew release by louse like aphids . It coats leave behind in a dim sooty ontogenesis .

Algal leaf spot – Areas of leaves coated in this black fungus have a wet , greasy show .
Anthracnose – Fungal contagion that mould tan lesions with dark boundary line on leaves .
Bacterial foliage scorch – triggered by a bacterial infection , scorched blotches spread along foliage veins and margins .
Other Causes
While fungal diseases are the most common culprit , other factors can also cause calamitous spot on magnolia farewell :
Physical damage from hail , louse , or imprint from backbreaking rain .
Mineral depositary from surd water dry out and leaving behind black dots .
Environmental issues like befoulment , salt suntan , or chemical legal injury .
Carefully examine the spots and pattern of equipment casualty on your tree ’s foliage to determine the likely cause . diagnose the problem is key to treatment .
Treating Black Leaf Spot Fungus on Magnolia
If fungal leaf spot is reassert on your magnolia tree , readily cover it with a fungicide to avoid damage . Here are tips for discussion :
use fungicide like myclobutanil , copper sulfate , or chlorothalonil at the first sign of contagion . They work best as preventives .
dress off and put down badly infected leave and branches to reduce the spread of fungus .
ameliorate airflow around the tree diagram by reduce thick branches to promote profligate leaf drying .
Rake and remove all pass leaves to annihilate source of fungal spore on the ground .
Avoid overhead watering and water early in the daytime so leaves have fourth dimension to dry out .
With straightaway fungicide spray and good sanitization practices , you could get magnolia leaf topographic point under control and protect the tree ’s health .
Preventing Black Spot Fungal Infections
An ounce of bar is worth a British pound sterling of cure when it come to protect magnolia tree diagram from fungous leafage spot diseases . Here are proactive measures to take :
Select leafage spot tolerant magnolia cultivars like the Little Girl hybrids .
leave plenty of space between trees and prune back encroaching limb .
Water at the base of the tree diagram rather than overhead .
better drainage in torpid areas around the tree roots .
Apply fungicidal soil drenches early in the time of year .
Spray trees preventively with fungicides before leafage spot appears .
Remove leafage litter under the canopy during gloam and wintertime .
forefend excessive high nitrogen fertilization that advance succulent , disease prostrate growth .
supervise every week and address forthwith at the first sign of infection .
Caught other , fungous leaf spots can be hold and serious impairment prevented with prompt treatment . But the best offensive is a good defense when it comes to protecting magnolia trees .
Impact of Leaf Spot Fungus
Leaf speckle diseases damage the artistic sweetheart of magnolia tree by causing :
Small shameful spot that speckle , splotch , or pelage leaves .
Large dead areas on leaves that turn brownish .
Premature yellowing , wilting , and leafage drop .
cutting of the canopy with extensive leaf loss .
Reduction in flush buds for next time of year if impairment is severe .
While a scattering of minor leaf spots make piddling real harm , extensive untreated infections can seriously damage magnolia tree wellness . folio spot fungus can also step by step weaken Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , making them prone to other disease and pest infestation .
Does Leaf Spot Put Trees at Risk?
soft character of occasional leaf spot fungus are not a major concern for most established , fledged magnolia trees . But austere , repeated infection each year can put magnolias at risk , especially young and stressed tree .
Extensive premature leaf free fall from leaf touch wrong can :
lust roots of energy needed to survive wintertime and re - leaf the following spring .
sabotage trees and slow growth .
Allow lower-ranking pathogen to occupy .
Increase sunscalding risk on thin canopies .
Ruin the aesthetic dish and economic value of prized magnolia specimens .
Protect magnolia investment by quick treating leaf place infections before they escalate and keep trees vigorous with proper care .
When to Call an Arborist
Consult a certified arborist if :
Leaf spot worsen annually despite discussion exploit .
You discover recessed canker , dieback , or other signs of overall tree decline along with leaf spot .
folio drop is excessive , thinning more than half of the canopy .
Young or newly transplant trees become septic and defoliate .
A professional can assess the tree diagram ’s condition , diagnose any underlying issues , and provide scientific discipline - based treatment recommendations . They have access to specialised fungicide and program program method .
While magnolia leaf spot fungus rarely obliterate trees on its own , do n’t ignore disgraceful leaf post . Protect your tree ’s beaut and wellness by catching infections early and using integrated tending and bar .
Lab Tests and Expert Consults
If your orb exam leaves you stick , its metre to call in the big guns . Contact a industrial plant pathology science lab or a local horticulturist for a thoroughgoing workup . They re like the CSI of the flora world , able to fleck the subtlest signs of trouble .
gather samples of both salubrious and unnatural leaves , adopt guideline from diagnostic clinics . Document the plants surroundings too — light , stain , water supply conditions . These detail can be crucial for a right diagnosing .
Remember that the rather you get a professional opinion , the more likely it is that you may pull through your friend the plant from the horrific black smudge .
Pests and Problems
Pests can wreak havoc on Big - Leaf Magnolia leaves , provide behind fateful fleck as evidence of their front . steamy residuum or the appearance of tiny bugs on the leaves can indicate an insect issue . In such font , the black spot are often play along by sooty cast or webbing .
Q&A – What are these spots on my magnolia leaves?
FAQ
How do you treat black smudge on magnolia leaves ?
How do I get rid of black cast on my magnolia tree diagram ?
How do you restore black spots on leaves ?
Why are the leave of absence on my magnolia turning black ?