One of the most popular trees in North Texas is the Magnolia tree, also known as Magnolia grandiflora. This magnificent evergreen tree is native to the southern United States, particularly the Gulf Coast region. This gorgeous tree is known for its large, fragrant, white flowers that bloom in the summer and fall. Unlike most trees, its shiny, dark green leaves that remain on the tree throughout the year, even during the winter. With Magnolias growing in popularity, especially in North Texas, it is vital for homeowners to know how to care for these great trees.
The Magnificent Magnolia Trees
Known for how big they can become, the Texas Magnolia tree is a large, slow-growing tree that can reach heights of up to 90 feet and widths of up to 50 feet. It has a broad, pyramidal shape with a straight trunk and branches that extend outwards horizontally. The tree’s leaves are oval-shaped, leathery, and glossy, measuring up to 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. The leaves are arranged alternately on the branches and have a deep green color that contrasts nicely with the white flowers. These leaves remain throughout the year, regardless of the weather or season.
The Texas Magnolia tree blooms in the summer and fall, producing its famous white flowers, which can measure as long as 12 inches in diameter. The flowers have a sweet, lemony scent that attracts bees and other local pollinators. After the flowers bloom, they give way to cone-shaped fruits that contain red seeds. These factors all add to their growing popularity.
Magnolias in Landscaping
There is no question that the Magnolia tree is a popular ornamental tree that is commonly used in landscaping around North Texas. It is also popularly used in functional ways, due to the shade these massive trees can provide. This is one of the many reasons that they are popular among residential, business, and recreational properties. Their large size and broad shape make them an ideal tree for providing shade to large areas such as parks, gardens, and public spaces. The tree’s attractive foliage and fragrant flowers also make it a popular choice for home gardens too.
This well known tree has many uses beyond ornamental value as well! The Texas Magnolia tree is also sought after for its wood. The wood of the Magnolia is hard, heavy, and strong which makes it ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects. That’s not the only reasons Magnolia wood is so popular though. This wood is also used for producing musical instruments, including both guitars and pianos.
Caring For Magnolia Trees
While the Magnolia tree is considered a relatively low-maintenance tree that is easy to care for, it is still vital for North Texas homeowners to know how to meet their tree’s needs. In comparison to many trees, Magnolia trees are a great species for new homeowners to learn to care for. Here are vital tips to keeping your Magnolia trees healthy and thriving all year long.
- Soil: These Texas Magnolia tree prefers well-drained and slightly acidic soil. Keeping your soil healthy and balanced mades a big difference in the health of your yard and trees. If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with sulfur or iron sulfate to lower the pH.
- Water: Just as any other tree, your Magnolia tree needs regular watering. Consistent watering is particularly vital during the first few years after being planted. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on the recent weather conditions and soil moisture. The heat and dry weather of Texas summers make monitoring your tree’s watering needs critical to ensuring its longterm health.
- Fertilizer: Nutrition is another major factor in caring for your Texas Magnolia. These trees benefits from regular fertilization, especially in the spring and summer when they are actively growing. We always recommend using a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Keeping your soil nutritious and fresh will cultivate an environment that optimizes plant growth.
- Pruning: It’s true, the Texas Magnolia tree does not require extensive pruning. However, you will still need to remove any dead or damaged branches to keep your tree healthy. While these tress don’t need much pruning, this process is meant to give your tree the best chances to flourish. It is always best to prune in late winter or early spring before any new growth appears.
- Pests and Diseases: Unlike the Southern Live Oak, the Texas Magnolia tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases. Despite this, they can still be susceptible to insect infestations and fungal diseases when in humid climates. This is why it is important to monitor your tree regularly, keeping your eye out for signs of pest. infestation or disease.
Historical Texas Magnolia Tree
Right off of Highway 69 and 4 miles north of Tyler is the small Texas town of Hopewell! There is nothing small about this town’s massive, historical Magnolia. Lovingly known as “the Hopewell Magnolia,” this beautiful tree sits on the southwest corner of the Hopewell Baptist Church cemetery. Many Texans believe that this is the largest Magnolia tree in all of Texas and it is said that “you can’t miss it.” Started in 1887, the town of Hopewell has merged with the town Swan, Texas while the gigantic Magnolia still boasts the historical Hopewell name.
Prior to “the Hopewell Magnolia,” there was a Magnolia Tree in the Beaumont area known as “the country line Magnolia” because it sat on the edge of Polk, Hardin, and Liberty counties. It was said that his ancient tree was the largest at the time. Sadly, this Magnolia tree thought to have been over a thousand years old was deliberately killed using an injection of a metallic poison and the arbor assassin was never found.
Magnolia Trees are a Texas staple, especially in residential settings. If you are interested in learning more about Texas Magnolias or other trees that thrive in the DFW area, don’t hesitate to teach out to the professional arborists at TREE TECH! We would love assist you in caring for your trees in any way that we can.
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