This Tree Could Be A Giveaway That Chip And Joanna Gaines Remodeled Your House

Whether shown on their hit show "Fixer Upper" or not, there are a couple of ways to determine whether your home has been updated at one time or another by Chip and Joanna Gaines. Surprisingly, you won't find it inside the house (though shiplap, which is one of Joanna Gaines' timeless farmhouse aesthetics, would be a good guess). Instead, you will want to look outside to the yard. The Gaines duo has stated previously that they have a tradition of planting a magnolia tree in the yard of every project they complete — even their own home. "We love magnolia trees. It really embodies our company. It's basically become our mascot. So every project we do, we love to plant a magnolia gem," said Chip (Shared via People). 

But it's not just their TV show and main Magnolia brand that this power-couple have produced. Their lifestyle empire has extended to include the Magnolia Home paint line with KILZ, Magnolia Table which is both the name of their three volume cookbook series, and a sit down dining location in Waco,TX. Plus, there is of course their flagship endeavor, the Magnolia home goods store which offers everything from furniture to accessories for every room of the home. 

According to the couple, the magnolia tree — after which they also named their company — played a significant role in their relationship. In a sneak peek of "Fixer Upper" shared via People, Chip explained to the couple's children, "You know what's interesting about a magnolia tree? One of Mama's and I's first dates, I climbed up a magnolia tree, and I pulled off a magnolia bloom, and I gave it to her." So in a homage to their relationship as both life and business partners, they leave behind a magnolia tree that will come to blossom and grow beside each home they renovate. Though there are quite a few different varieties of magnolia trees out there, Chip has previously been quoted saying that they like to plant a "magnolia gem", which is referring to the 'Little Gem' variety of magnolia that is easy to take care of and notoriously hardy.

If you don't already have a magnolia tree in your yard, that doesn't mean you can't add one in yourself. Should you decide to do so, you may want to take inspiration from the Gaines' choice of tree as the 'Little Gem' is so easy to grow. 'Little Gem' also stays pretty small so you won't have to worry about it taking over your yard. Even better, it can even survive in a pot, giving you the option to move it around your yard — or to move it to a protected spot in winter to prevent the soil from freezing. Finally, you might also like to take a look at the gorgeous flowers Joanna Gaines grew in her 2025 garden.