What to Do With Magnolia Trees in May – And How to Keep Yours Healthy Throughout the Summer
To guarantee that your magnolia maintains steady growth and produces spectacular flowers, these tasks are essential in May
There's nothing quite as spectacular as a magnolia tree in full bloom. Different types of magnolia trees flower at different times of the year, but in May, your focus should be on fertilizing, deep watering, and mulching, alongside light pruning – although you'll need to be careful not to remove any new buds.
No matter whether you have an evergreen or deciduous magnolia tree, it will generally prefer rich, well-draining soil and bright light. Deciduous magnolias are the hardier option, while evergreen magnolias are generally larger.
While these trees certainly look spectacular, they require a few crucial maintenance tasks in the springtime to keep them healthy. If you're keen to find out exactly how to grow and care for your magnolia tree in May, you can find our top tips below. (And if you're looking to plant a magnolia, you can find a Sweetbay magnolia tree at Fast Growing Trees.)
1. Keep the Soil Moist
It's vital to ensure that your magnolia tree is watered regularly, especially in hotter weather (and just after planting).
With this in mind, you may want to invest in a drip irrigation kit (like this quick-connect irrigation system from Amazon), or set up a DIY drip irrigation system instead.
The priority is deep watering: consistent moisture delivered directly into the soil, allowing the roots of your tree to remain hydrated.
You will, however, want to maintain a careful balance. Magnolias don't grow well in waterlogged soil, but it's important not to let the soil dry out completely in between watering. You can use a soil moisture meter, like this one from Walmart to help you better understand when to water.
2. Don't Forget to Fertilize
'Magnolias don’t need copious amounts of nutrients each year, but they will benefit from a light feeding in spring,' says Drew Swainston, Content Editor at Homes & Gardens. 'This could be especially vital if their latest flowering display didn’t hit the same heights as previous years.'
You'll want to choose a slow-release, balanced fertilizer; you can even use a rhododendron feed like this acid-loving plant fertilizer from Amazon. Spread it across the surface of the soil, around the dripline of your tree.
'It's a busy time of year for magnolia trees: in the weeks and months after blooming, they are developing stems and buds to carry next spring’s display,' adds Drew. 'They will appreciate all the nutrients they can get.'
Drew has worked as a writer since 2008 and was also a professional gardener for many years. As a trained horticulturist, he worked in prestigious historic gardens, including Hanbury Hall and the world-famous Hidcote Manor Garden. He also spent time as a specialist kitchen gardener at Soho Farmhouse and Netherby Hall, where he grew vegetables, fruit, herbs, and cut flowers for restaurants. Drew has written for numerous print and online publications and is an allotment holder and garden blogger. He was shortlisted for the Digital Gardening Writer of the Year at the 2025 Garden Media Guild Awards.
3. Make Time to Mulch
It's a good idea to get into the habit of mulching your plants at this time of year; not only does it help retain moisture, but it also regulates soil temperature and protects roots.
When it comes to magnolias, you'll want to add a thin layer of organic mulch around the base of your tree. You can find organic mulch at Home Depot for as little as $4 – just make sure not to pile it against the trunk of your magnolia tree, as this can cause it to rot over time.
4. Prune Carefully
If you were thinking about pruning your magnolia tree in May, it's best to take a restrained approach. Right now, your magnolia will require only light pruning; experts recommend holding off on extensive shaping until after your tree has finished flowering, since it risks damaging new growth.
'Magnolia trees often require little pruning; indeed, they can often go for many years without much attention,' confirms Drew. 'However, when they do need some TLC, they want to be trimmed after flowering.'
Using essential pruning tools (like these Fiskars 28-inch loppers on Amazon), carefully remove damaged branches.
'Once your tree’s display is over for the season, take a close look at the canopy to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing wood,' explains Drew. 'Also, remove any branches going in unwanted directions, such as towards the trunk. This light remedial work neatens the tree and boosts air circulation through the canopy, which helps to prevent disease.'
5. Check for Pests and Diseases
Examining the foliage of your magnolia tree isn't a task that is restricted to the springtime, but it is particularly important to reduce infestations and diseases while your tree is in its active growth period.
Scale insects are the main threat to magnolias, so it's worth checking regularly for clusters of these insects on the undersides of leaves. Remove them carefully to prevent lasting damage.
Wet, humid conditions in the spring and summer can also lead to fungal disease in magnolia trees.
The biggest warning signs are yellowing leaves and black spotting; if you notice any worrying developments and make sure to remove those diseased branches carefully.
Looking for more tips? We've created a guide to the best magnolia trees to add to your yard.
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