Bulb at trunk base of concern?

[DeeKei]

Hi everyone,

 

I bought a magnolia tree and am now noticing that there is a bulb-like growth at the base of the trunk (see photos). It kind of looks like a number of large branches were cut. Maybe too close to the trunk? I read that improper pruning can lead to problems down the road. Does anyone here think this is a concern? I haven't planted the tree yet and thought now would be a good time to find out, so I can make an exchange if necessary. 

 

Many thanks! As you can probably tell, I don't know much about trees. :) 

 

 

[Stubby]

6 minutes ago, DeeKei said:

Hi everyone,

 

I bought a magnolia tree and am now noticing that there is a bulb-like growth at the base of the trunk (see photos). It kind of looks like a number of large branches were cut. Maybe too close to the trunk? I read that improper pruning can lead to problems down the road. Does anyone here think this is a concern? I haven't planted the tree yet and thought now would be a good time to find out, so I can make an exchange if necessary. 

 

Many thanks! As you can probably tell, I don't know much about trees.

 

 

Probably were it has been grafted onto another root stock . Cherry perhaps .

Edited April 11, 2022 by Stubby

[DeeKei]

6 minutes ago, Stubby said:

Probably were it has been grafted onto another root stock . Cherry perhaps .

Interesting. So this is the graft junction you think? Do you know if that area needs any special protection or care? 

[Stubby]

2 minutes ago, DeeKei said:

Interesting. So this is the graft junction you think? Do you know if that area needs any special protection or care? 

I am no expert but quite often trees in nursery's  are grafted onto strong root stock of which Cherry is one . I had a William pear that was like that . At one point I had Cheery leaves sprouting from below the graft and pear above . I don't think it is a problem .

[slack ma girdle]

The small pruning wounds below  the graft line are where the root stock has started to grow.

Very common, just keep an eye out for any more shoots below the graft, and cut off any that appear. Eventually they will callus over and disappear.

[DeeKei]

On 12/04/2022 at 03:00, slack ma girdle said:

The small pruning wounds below  the graft line are where the root stock has started to grow.

Very common, just keep an eye out for any more shoots below the graft, and cut off any that appear. Eventually they will callus over and disappear.

Amazing. Thanks so much. That's good advice. I'm guessing those shoots would sap energy from the rest of the tree? I'll keep an eye out!