Newly planted Magnolia tree, questions

[shabaz6]

Hi all,

Today I planted a (15gal) Little Gem Magnolia tree in my front yard, in Austin TX. I’m in zone 9a, and have heavy clay soil. I wanted to ask some experts a few questions, to best care for the tree.


1) I have an irrigation system, so I can water easily. What is the correct amount of water I should be giving, so the tree can “thrive”. Today I gave it 15 gallon, over the coarse of 2.5 hours.

2) I would like the tree to be limbed up so I can mow easily when it is mature. Can I do this safely, if so should I take any actions now, or in the future?

3) If possible, I would like the tree to be shaped in a columnar or pyramid style. Is this acceptable, if so any steps I can take towards that?

4) This is silly, but is it possible to have it have a single trunk, currently it has a large trunk, and then a secondary smaller trunk

View attachment IMG_0296.jpeg

 

[TNTreeHugger]

Hi all,

Today I planted a (15gal) Little Gem Magnolia tree in my front yard, in Austin TX. I’m in zone 9a, and have heavy clay soil. I wanted to ask some experts a few questions, to best care for the tree.


1) I have an irrigation system, so I can water easily. What is the correct amount of water I should be giving, so the tree can “thrive”. Today I gave it 15 gallon, over the coarse of 2.5 hours.

2) I would like the tree to be limbed up so I can mow easily when it is mature. Can I do this safely, if so should I take any actions now, or in the future?

3) If possible, I would like the tree to be shaped in a columnar or pyramid style. Is this acceptable, if so any steps I can take towards that?

4) This is silly, but is it possible to have it have a single trunk, currently it has a large trunk, and then a secondary smaller trunk

View attachment 1248844

Can you post a photo of the entire tree?

 

[shabaz6]

Sure, sorry about that!

View attachment IMG_0304.jpeg

 

[shabaz6]

View attachment IMG_0304.jpeg

 

[TNTreeHugger]

Nicely shaped little tree.
I'm not an arborist, or an expert, but as to the watering, don't over do it. But don't let it dry out either. Since you just planted it today, I'd let it get well rooted before doing anything to it.
Oh, and a nurseryman I used to work for used to say, never fertilize a freshly planted tree.

How are things in Austin? I liked there in the 80s. Except for the excessive heat and the fire ants, I loved it.