Question
I live in central Alabama.  I have 4 dwarf magnolias in the backyard.  I noticed that one of them all the leaves are brown on the entire tree.  2 trees look normal and the 4th tree half # of the leaves are green the other leaves are brown like the tree that is all brown leaves.  Is the brown leaf one dead?  is the other one dying?  I these trees have been planted here for approx 10 years and they have never turned brown.  we did have more rain in our area this past fall than ever.  Not sure what other info you need.  thanks for your time.

Answer
Pamela:
Try scratching the bark in a few suspect areas with your fingernail. Look for green beneath. If not, these areas are probably dead. Be sure to examine the trunk, especially near the ground line. Look for loose bark or injury.  This could be the source.  String trimmers and lawnmowers are often the culprit.
Regards

Steve