This is a Bracken's Brown Beauty Magnolia in Boise, Idaho. It was planted by the previous owners in 2016.

What's wrong with the leaves in the photos? Is there something I need to do to help them/the rest of the tree? Should I remove those leaves?

Also, should I deadhead the seed pods? Any other advice for trimming or pruning?

Thanks!

They don't look diseased just maybe old and/or frost bitten. Yes I would deadhead the pods, they can get very heavy and twist the branches into strange shapes. This variety seems to have extra heavy pods.
As far as pruning the tree, I would shorten the lowest branches and remove any crossing ones. If you can establish a central leader that would be best for the health and structure of the tree. Think of any branch lower than 8' as essentially a 'temporary' branch that will eventually need to be removed so you can walk underneath the tree. No, the branches don't move up the trunk as the tree grows they stay right where they start. It should almost be shaped like a Christmas tree, with a single trunk and branches spaced evenly around and up the trunk. From what I can see, you have your job cut out for you. If you can find someone there that knows what they're doing to get you started it would make it waaaaay easier.(I know, not a lot of help)

All broadleaf evergreens will drop a set of old leaves every year. Species vary on how long they retain any single year's growth - just like conifers - but they will shed one old year's worth each year.

As noted above, that is likely what you are noticing with the browning interior leaves. The leaves further out on the branches all look fine.

What I wish is that you had such a landscape as you could ignore the advice to limb up such a tree, and let it express its full glory - like this one in Lexington KY which I used to be able to admire twice a day when I worked there.




Magnolia grandiflora 'Hamilton Park'

Oh, to be able to lavish the space for such a tree!! I've enjoyed seeing similar trees when I visited friends in Athens, Georgia. Spectacular big trees surrounded by lush green lawns, the epitome of Southern elegance!

Excuse me , I feel a julep coming on.

Indeed! There is huge gaping hole in tradition with the confinement and distancing, which has postponed the Kentucky Derby till fall.

It cannot truly be the first Saturday in May without the appropriate pairings...

A belated thank you to both of you for your response! That's all very helpful.