What/when do I feed a young saucer magnolia tree?

Answer 1

Spring. As soon as the buds start to swell. Apply the fertilizer about the same distance from the trunk as the branches spread. Work into the soil if possible and water slow and deep to avoid washing it away. A very young tree 1/2 pound ( maybe a cup ) every month until early summer. A general purpose fertilizer is fine. Something like 5-10-10 or even 10-20-10. Use less of the more concentrated. The higher Phoshoorous ( middle number ) promotes flowers. Avoid feeding in the fall. If you stimulate growth too late it is more easily damaged by frost.