Hi Devoted Friend,

Those magnolias do look like they're struggling! From my experience their condition would be due to more than just lack of water. I think you've done the right thing pruning off the diseased leaves and branches, and from the final photo it looks like you might be seeing some new shoots already. I'd now work on improving the general health of your plants just by being diligent with watering plus adding a slow-release fertilizer, and a light mulch to improve the soil and conserve water. You want to see moderate, strong new growth rather than masses of weak shoots, so go for a general, balanced fertilizer maybe starting at half the recommended rate. Hope this helps - good luck!