Magnolia

Help - I have a problem with my magnolia - the leaves are either skeletal or have gone completely.  I thought it might be slugs or snails but can see no trails.  I have tried all the books to find out what it could be and looked on various internet sites but cannot find anything to help me.  I have only had the plant 2.5 years and it looks dead at the moment.  A neighbour told me to dig it up and burn it but I don't want to do that if I can save it.  Can anyone help me.

Thanks

Is it a container-I am suspecting the adult vine weevil if it isn't slugs or snails-have you put down slug pellets or any other sort of precautions?

I had some skeletal leaves on my Stellata a couple of years ago and thought something was wrong with the plant. I had it in a pot close to the wall, and after I moved it away from the wall the leaves started to remain intact. I think slugs or snails were walking up the wall and eating the leaves from the reverse. Since I've moved it into the centre of patio I've not had them problem again.

Could that be your problem?

My plant is in the ground, not in a container and is nowhere near a wall.  It is in one of the borders in my garden.  I have put slug pellets around it and check it morning and evening for slugs/snails.   I did think about digging it up, and then replanting it somewhere else in the garden (if I can find some space) but someone told me it wasn't a good idea. There are no other marks or anything on the leaves they are just being eaten.  The plant is only about 4ft tall and the first year we had it it flowered but nothing since and very few leaves. 

Oops meant to add above any help would be extremely appreciated - it isn't a stellata magnolia if that's any help.

Stumped at present-but there if you go out tonight after dark with a torch you might see the culprit having supper-a lot of these pests are nocturnal feeders-this assumes that you cannot see anything in the day-don't give up all hope yet

I've had a similar problem, but I put in down to the cold & wet May and June........thinking it will be ok next spring......i'm giving it a regular feed and will give it heavy mulch in October........and then keep my fingers crossed

Had the same problem with my magnolia - planted in tub - leaves practically stripped bare. Got some great advice from forum and the problem seems to have been vine weevils.  Took advice and treated with Provada - my little magnolia is now filling out beautifully with very little damage. May work for you.