Question
QUESTION: I 'inherited' a young magnolia tree from the previous owners, and it did fine for two years, but is suddenly dying or dead. The very few leaves are all brown, the bark is greyish, and there is a large bare spot in the bark about a foot or two off the ground. I do not see pests, signs of disease, or any other damage other than the bare spot that does go all the way around the tree. Is there any chance this tree will come back? I hate to lose this tree, as it is my only tree.
I don't know what I did wrong that it died. I was watering it and fertilized it.
If it *is* absolutely dead, what do I do? Should I try to dig it up from the roots? I don't know what I did wrong that it died. I was watering it and fertilized it.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-7/1267029/deadmagnoliaa.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-7/1267029/barkdamage.jpg

ANSWER: I dont think you did anything wrong.  It looks as if a truck or piece of equipment has struck the trunk of the tree.  The damage is severe and the tree will probably die.  I do see some suckers growing up from the base.  You can cut the top off and let the little tree grow to take its place, but I believe that the tree will eventually die with that kind of trunk injury.  Let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your answer. What is odd is that I'm sure nothing hit the tree. It is in an enclosed area (fenced in) and there is no other damage. I noticed the bark problem last season, but I couldn't find any sign of pests or disease. It actually blossomed last season! I guess I just want to be sure it's dead before I pull it up. I don't know anything about magnolias and don't know if they lose their leaves at this time or if they should be sprouting new leaves. Thank you for your help with this!

Answer
The only thing you can do is a technique called bark scoring.  Take a knife or small hatchet and cut the edges of the wounded area until you smooth them out and you are down into the healthy wood.  ITs sort of like a Doctor cutting open a two or three day wound so he can so it back up with stiches.  The only you are not doin is applying the stiches.  This will force the tree to form new callous tissue and eventually it will seal over the entire area.  This may take 3-4 years to happen.  The trunk of the tree will eventually look normal again with the wound inside the freshly formed bark.  I am sorry.  Good Luck.