Q&A – Why are my magnolia leaves curled?
Question:
Why are my magnolia tree leaves curled? It bloomed out very pretty this spring. Now it is full of curled leaves. What can be done to reverse this problem?
Answer:
This is probably damage from phenoxy herbicide. Herbicides like Dicamba or 2,4-D cause leaves to curl. These herbicides are frequently used on lawns to kill broad-leaf weeds. The magnolia is a broad-leaf plant so it is affected. This year when the herbicide was applied the conditions may have been different than past years. UT Extension Horticulture Specialist Carol Reese says the leaves curled now will always be distorted, but new leaves may be normal. The tree will probably be okay long term. If this same thing happens every year there is a good chance the tree will decline and die.
Related Resources:
Diagnosing Herbicide Injury on Garden and Landscape Plants
Plant Injury Due to Turfgrass Broadleaf Weed Herbicides
Diagnosing and Preventing Herbicide Injury to Trees
Why are my magnolia tree leaves curled? It bloomed out very pretty this spring. Now it is full of curled leaves. What can be done to reverse this problem?
Answer:
This is probably damage from phenoxy herbicide. Herbicides like Dicamba or 2,4-D cause leaves to curl. These herbicides are frequently used on lawns to kill broad-leaf weeds. The magnolia is a broad-leaf plant so it is affected. This year when the herbicide was applied the conditions may have been different than past years. UT Extension Horticulture Specialist Carol Reese says the leaves curled now will always be distorted, but new leaves may be normal. The tree will probably be okay long term. If this same thing happens every year there is a good chance the tree will decline and die.
Related Resources:
Diagnosing Herbicide Injury on Garden and Landscape Plants
Plant Injury Due to Turfgrass Broadleaf Weed Herbicides
Diagnosing and Preventing Herbicide Injury to Trees