I think my magnolia tree is sick and I dont know how to help it. We just bought a house and I have no experience with any kind of gardening.

Can you post a photo?

Here is a photo of some of the damages leaves.

A pic of the tree and bark would be helpful.

It's a little dark in here. Tomorrow I can get better pictures. I thinki it might bloom soon. What is this magnolia called? In my town there were beautiful magnolias, just flowers no green leaves. Thank you!

Magnolias normally drop their old leaves this time of year (as do live oaks). It is probably fine and will put on new leaves to replace the lost ones. There seem to be lots of leaf/flower buds ready to open soon.

Porkpal is correct but I suspect you tree needs iron. Mine is getting a deep root fertilization* this week. Used to do it once a year but like many things, such as participating in NGA, I've slacked off. But I do think your Magnolia has chlorosis and might be lacking in other minerals besides iron.
If you're a DIYer, be very careful using something like Ironite. Can definitely stain your or your neighbors' driveways, sidewalks, etc. Not sure if it's a good product or not. Just saying.

* can explain more about the deep root fertilization and what my arborists use, if you like.

Agree, evergreen magnolias drop leaves year round. I don't see any sign of chlorosis that would indicate iron deficiency, but I would clear the grass away from the trunk for several feet around. Also, is the lawn sprinkler spraying the lower trunk? Constant moisture on the trunk can cause rot issues in the future. Beautiful tree.

@NMoasis - good points. I hadn't looked at the base of the trunk until you pointed it out. It definitely looks like it's been watered, maybe by a sprinkler. And yes, the grass needs to be cleared. I was focusing on the first few pictures of the leaves. Thanks for correcting me.

Tfc, I can see how those yellow leaves are alarming at first. Didn't really mean to "correct" you, just adding a different point of view. Nighttime photos are sometimes deceptive.

Do you think we could benefit from a daylight photo of the trunk where there appears to be a wound? Either a split or a scrape? That's concerning to me.

Agree with NMoasis. There is no indication of chlorosis or any nutrient deficiencies.

I removed most of the yellow leaves from the lower branches yesterday. And the trunk was wet because I deliberately watering it yesterday because I wasn't sure I'd it needs more water. I need to cut the grass, that's for sure, but do you really think I need to remove it a few feet away from the tree? Thank you!

I think your tree looks mature enough to compete with some grass.

I vote taking up grass and doing mulch. I like the look, and it stops you getting too close to the trunk with a mower or trimmer. And leaves that fall can go or be put on on the mulch, not the grass. It will be beautiful.!

Siyana, the trunk doesn't need watering. The tree takes in water through its fine roots, which are several feet away from the trunk at or beyond the canopy drip line.

Letting the long grass grow at the base of the trunk over time often results in a buildup of soil and moisture against the bark above the flare, which can open the door to decay and pests. It won't necessarily happen immediately; it might be years, but could be less. The flare—where the trunk gets wider and the roots emerge—should remain dry and free from soil, vegetation or mulch.

https://extension.psu.edu/mulc...

Siyana said: I removed most of the yellow leaves from the lower branches yesterday.
I need to cut the grass, that's for sure, but do you really think I need to remove it a few feet away from the tree?

I wouldn't remove the leaves from the tree... they usually have a perfectly functioning leaf dispersal system.

Grass is bad for trees...

A tree that size should be self-mulching... What's happening to the leaves?

stone said: I wouldn't remove the leaves from the tree... they usually have a perfectly functioning leaf dispersal system.

Grass is bad for trees...

A tree that size should be self-mulching... What's happening to the leaves?

Someone coming to see my yard told me the tree might be sick or need fertilizer. Some leaves are yellow with black dots, dome are getting brown and dry on the edges. There are few completely dead branches here and there. I don't know anything about these trees, and I really wanted to help It if it needs anything.

There's only so much that can be determined by looking at pictures. Consider having an arborist look at the tree in person.

Siyana said: Someone coming to see my yard told me the tree might be sick or need fertilizer.
I don't know anything about these trees, and I really wanted to help It if it needs anything.

Sorry....
I meant where are the leaves that the tree has been dropping for the last several years?
There should be no need to dig out the turf... years of accumulated leaf drop should have took care of the grass under the tree.

I don't see anything wrong with the tree except all that grass growing right up to the trunk....
Oh yeah... that power line going through the top isn't doing it any favors either...

As far as what type you have...
Magnolia virginiana is native to your state... and as small as the leaves look... it may be.

When it blooms, we should be able to give a positive identification.

In addition to the great advice you've received here, you could go to your local nursery and share your photos with someone knowledgeable about magnolias and see if they have any suggestions.