Do Magnolia Trees Need A Lot Of Water?

Magnolia Trees require a lot of water, especially during the spring and summer months. It is important to give your Magnolia Tree about 1 inch of water per week during these periods. If your area does not receive a lot of rainfall, you may need to give your tree supplemental water through a water droplet system. It is important to provide them with a regular watering schedule to help keep them healthy and thriving.

They are accustomed to a lot of rainfall. Magnolia Trees need approximately 150-200 gallons of water per day to thrive. This water needs to be evenly distributed throughout the tree’s root system, and it is important to keep the soil moist. If the soil becomes too dry, the tree will experience dieback and other problems.

These flowering trees are susceptible to fungus and other diseases when the water supply isn’t sufficient, so it is important to ensure that your water meter is reading accurately and that you are taking proper care of your tree. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Magnolia Tree is thriving and getting the water it needs to stay healthy!

Close up of a blooming flowers of Magnolia tree

Can You Overwater Magnolias?

Yes, it is possible to overwater your magnolia tree. Magnolias should grow in moist soil. However, if their roots are constantly submerged in water, as with many garden plants, they can drown. Fungal issues such as root rot, which can be detrimental to the tree’s life, can also develop.

4 Phases Of Watering A Magnolia Tree

The First Planting

It’s important to plant your magnolia tree in a well-drained, well-lit area in the fall or spring. Most rain falls during this time of year, ideal for developing a healthy root system. Watering the plant twice or three times a week during this period will aid in the plant’s growth and development. Avoid over-watering the soil, and remember that it should be moist but not saturated. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings is also a good idea to prevent root fatigue.

Formation of the Root System

Young magnolia trees require time to establish a strong root system, which is why watering is so important during this period—it is necessary if the tree does not receive sufficient water from rain. Make sure to water the tree thoroughly so that the roots can penetrate deep into the ground.

To accomplish this, take a water hose and place it at the tree’s base, allowing it to run for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. It should provide the soil with a thorough soaking session, and you should be able to skip watering for the next two or three days after that. Take note that if your magnolia tree receives ample light as well as frequent irrigation, the roots will form a shallow network beneath the soil’s surface, which is ideal for growing flowers and fruit.

If the magnolia tree isn’t given adequate support and nutrients, it’s vulnerable to falling over. For the first two to three years of your tree’s life, make sure to give it plenty of deep watering. The establishment of the routes can take up to four years. Depending on your climate’s location, you may need to water your tree as often as four times per week if the weather is particularly hot or dry.

Daily Upkeep

Once your magnolia tree has become established, it is beneficial to use the temperature of the surrounding environment as a watering guide to determine how often you should water it. You don’t need to water the tree as frequently when the outside temperature is 70° F or lower.

Make a quick inspection of the magnolia tree’s root ball to determine whether or not it is dry. If the soil is dry, water it as soon as possible to revive it. For those living in areas where the average temperature ranges between 70-80° F, water your magnolia tree at least once a week.

In addition, if the average daily temperature outside is 90° or higher, you will most likely need to water their magnolia tree at least three times per week to ensure that it remains adequately hydrated throughout the summer and fall months. Make sure to water the tree for approximately 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Always check the soil’s moisture levels between watering sessions to ensure that it is not too dry or too wet. Because magnolia trees are sensitive to heat, they are more susceptible to stress during the hotter months of the year, especially if you live in a warm climate like the southern United States or the west coast.

Tree Preservation

To help your magnolia tree stay moist once its roots have grown in, you might want to put mulch around the tree’s base. Maintain a few inches away from the tree’s trunk when you lay it around it. It will keep the moisture close to the ground and keep it from evaporating so fast, which will help the tree grow. A tree will hold on to more water this way, which will cut down on how often you have to water it.

The grass and weeds that have sprouted around the foundation of your young magnolia tree will compete for water and other important nutrients. Make sure to remove them.

Backlit white magnolia in spring at sunset.

How Often Should You Water Magnolias?

A magnolia tree needs different amounts of water based on what stage of life. Young magnolia trees usually need more water because their roots need to grow before they can support the tree and help it grow. It would be best if you watered your magnolia tree every few days to help it grow to its full potential at least two to three times a week.

However, you can do a soil test to see if the tree needs water. You can take a 6-inch stake and put it in the ground near the base of your magnolia tree. The stake should be easy to put in, and it should be wet when you touch it with your fingers. If you can’t push the stake into the soil because it’s crumbly, you should water your magnolia tree. Keep an eye out for soggy soil on your magnolia tree. Let them dry out before you water again.

Is Wet Soil Good for Magnolias?

Many magnolia varieties prefer moist, well-drained soils that are slightly acidic or neutral. The Sweetbay magnolia tree, for example, thrives in soils that are medium to wet. Read the instructions carefully before purchasing a new magnolia tree so that you know how to best care for and maintain it as it matures.

Young trees will always require more water than mature trees. Older, more established trees, on the other hand, will necessitate more frequent watering to maintain their foliage and promote flowering. Magnolias are tolerant of moderate drought conditions and can thrive in various environments. When trees reach full maturity, this is more likely to happen.