Question: We have a very old magnolia tree which we want to keep. It sheds leaves all the time which make quite a litter over the grass. Is there something that could be done? It is a very tall, large tree and we would hate to cut it down. KG, Indiana
Answer: If this is Magnolia soulangeona, the most common one, which blooms before the leaves appear, it should not shed leaves all summer. If it has good drainage and is not overwatered during summer, the leaves should almost all persist until frost. Try placing an inch deep mulch of rotted cow manure around the root area any time between November and early spring and water the tree very little if at all during the summer.
