Question
I live in lower Michigan and planted a wonderful Jane Magnolia in my front yard,in Spring one year ago. She did absolutely magnificent all last spring, summer and made it through the winter just fine and bloomed beautifully this year. About 3 weeks ago I noticed her leaves turning yellow then light brown with some having dark spots on them , then dropping off. She is loosing them quickly. What can I do? Thank you for your help.

Answer
Cheryl,

It sounds like the Magnolia was hit by leaf spot. this is a fungus the attacks the leaves, causing them to yellow and dop early.

I would recommend spraying with a fungicide now to minimize the spread, fertilize the plant well in the fall and begin spraying with fungicide next spring as the leaves are opening up.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen