Fertilizer Fertilize little gem magnolia in early spring with an organic slow-release fertilizer. Plants grown in pots benefit from feeding monthly during the growing season.

When you fertilize the container plants, the excess fertilizer will drain out of the pots and feed the tree roots. Finished compost or bark mulch shouldn’t interfere with fertilizing your trees.

My magnolia had a problem with magnolia scale last year. Will it come back, and should I take some action to protect my tree? The leaves were covered in a black mold late last summer. — Frank ...

How to fertilize trees after mulching and tips for old wood chips Plus, Master Gardener Laura Simpson diagnoses what’s happening with a nectarine tree that won’t fruit.