The Southern Magnolia is a popular plant in the landscapes of North Carolina. Lately, we have been seeing dead branches in the canopies of magnolias. Closer inspection reveals swollen cankers on the affected branches.

Fungi such as botryosphaeria and nectria infect wounds on limbs caused by hornets, woodpeckers and freeze. Canker disease kills branches. These branches should be pruned out of the tree. Try to prevent canker infections by keeping the tree healthy. Water trees in dry weather conditions and regularly fertilize trees.