Tree Doctor

[bednobs]

I have a young tree I have posted about in the past. It is tall (over 2m) but thin with a bushy top. Although it's staked, it's looking most sorry for itself and is very very bendy. It cannot be moved.
This tree is very important to me, and I want to make sure I am doing everything I can for it, and that the bendiness has not damaged it too much.
Clearly my knowledge is very small though. Who could I call to come and help me decide whether to give up, move it, stake it differently etc?

[Vagus]

Do you have a garden centre near by where you could call in and explain both the importance to you of keeping this tree healthy, and how to do it? In my experience they’re usually very helpful.

[bednobs]

yes I do - I guess I could try that :)

[Vagus]

If you do that bednobs, take a photo of it to show them, and also make a note of the position in the garden in relation to the sun and other trees/plants so they have the whole picture.
I hope you get it sorted x

[Chipchopper]

Under normal circumstances, I might advise you to contact a tree officer from your local authority, who may offer advice or pay you a visit.
What type of tree is it, it sounds very tall and slender, there again some trees naturally grow like that.

[alavahalf]

In what way is it bendy ..if its over two metres tall, it must be established. Sounds as though it is not happy.
Was it planted in a prepared position. Is it in the shade of any other trees. Is the soil suitable. It's all guesswork without more info.
Why cant it be moved .. although moving a tree should really be done in the autumn.

[bednobs]

its a magnolia. it is young. It's not near anything else. It can be moved i suppose but only as a last resort. I think it was probably pot grown we hve gravelly loam with clay underneath, I think the problem is that it's thin but bushy at the top and catches the prevailing wind

[bednobs]

looks like this but at least twice as tall https://www.davidfairleygardens.co.uk/products/magnolia-grandiflora-1-2-standard-tree

[Chipchopper]

Magnolia grandiflora or Bull bay.
Ideally a sheltered sunny position against a south facing wall would suit it best.
Probably trained to grow like a "lollypop" in the nursery for many rears, unfortunately this can have the "wind sail affect"
Personally, wouldn't plant it close to a house wall due to its invasive root system.
Definitely a tree for a large garden. The flowers can be 10" across!
You could try a mulch on the surface and some Slow release granularfertiliser mixed in. for good measure.
Best of luck.

[bednobs]

Thanks, I do have a large garden and I love this tree. It's in the middle of my 200ft lawn. Do you think I could put it in a large pot to avoid the root invasion problem?

[TonyV]

Do you know what tree it is bednobs?

[bednobs]

yes. it's a magnolia grndiflora

[TonyV]

Some advice here then

https://www.rhs.org.uk/Search?query=Magnolia+Group

[Chipchopper]

You seem to have ample space, Bednobs.
I can't see why it can't be grown in a large pot or container, this would also serve as a root barrier.

[bednobs]

Thanks, i have put it in pot against the house, in the hope it'll put on some girth, I have had to tie it to the house in 2 different places

[TonyV]

Just a thought Bednobs, was it a grafted tree?

[TonyV]

Also if it's tied make sure you use some "cushioning" around the tree. I'm sure you have.

[Tilly2]

Is there a local arborist who could come and have a look at it for you and give you some advice?