Question
We live on the Balcones Escarpment in Austin, TX, where the soil is normally basic, resting on limestone.  However we see many of the Magnolias in the area.  How does one cope with the need for an acidic soil and not a very thick cover of soil?  We have a pecan tree that is supposed to have a large tap root doing very well in our yard.

Answer
Hi Robert,
Thanx for your question.  I live in an area that has a lot of limestone layers beneath a stratum of soil.  Many trees find ways to grow their roots in between cracks and crevices in rock formations below ground.  There are a variety of magnolias that will do well in just about any soil. YOu may have to amend the soil a bit here and there to get the best blooms, etc.

Here is a link for contact information with the Texas Cooperative Extension Service/Travis County.  I used to work with the Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service in Wyandotte County, (KC) Kansas.  The extension services are wonderful resources with info that applies to your local growing conditions.  I hope this helps.
Tom
http://www.co.travis.tx.us/agext/