Gem Magnolia Leaves Turned Brown After Harsh Winter

Question From: M. Rutkowski - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
Q: My daughter in Raleigh has a little gem magnolia that suffered from ice & snow this past winter. Some of it's leaves turned brown & she was told to gently take them off. Will the tree produce new leaves this Spring? It has buds on it & is seven feet tall & healthy.

A: I would have left them on the tree so as not to damage latent buds of new leaves. Tell her to be patient and allow the tree to produce the second flush of leaves. She can fertilize the tree lightly late next fall when the tree has gone dormant. I recommend Espoma Holly Tone as a fertilizer. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy