The tree isn't hurt, but dried sap detracts from the tree's beauty. Magnolias are evergreens and do not drop leaves. All information is provided "AS IS." Proper pruning tools must be used to ensure consistent, clean cuts. Flowers can be pruned off as they finish, although this becomes impractical as the tree ages. The first task in any pruning job, regardless of variety, should be to remove all broken, decayed, dead, or diseased branches or anything that looks to have become a problem. Use pruning shears on the thinnest of branches and graduate up to a pruning saw or chain saw for thick limbs. Food, water and sunlight are the keys to a healthy and flourishing magnolia. This is especially true for magnolia trees, which can grow to … Make all pruning cuts at the collar, which is the thick section next to the joint shared with another branch or limb. For wall-trained specimens stick to summer. Pruning is an essential part of caring for any young tree, but knowing when to prune a magnolia tree is critical to achieving successful results. We prune an evergreen Magnolia much differently than how we prune a deciduous Magnolia. Tree sap does not go down. For magnolias that bloom in early spring, the best time for pruning is soon after the tree has finished blooming. When in doubt of thumb, the most punctual blossoming trees and bushes set bloom buds the earlier year, so the beginner might just prune … submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". If pruned at the wrong time or seasons, magnolia trees may not be able to recover from the damage and can become susceptible to weather and parasites that may lead to the trees’ death. Inspect the tree branches for signs of rot, bark loss and excessive moss. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Website operating Part of the series: Tulip Planting Guide. A favourite is a pink Magnolia called 'Caerhays Belle'. It also goes by the names evergreen magnolia and bull bay. Decidious trees … Younger plants can be trimmed to shape as required. Jane magnolia trees are bushes that blossom on old wood. The sight of a magnolia in full bloom is one of the highlights of the gardening year. As you can see, there are some gaps between the ranges these tools cut best at. It's best to decide how many trunks you want to keep when this tree is young, and shape is so the trunks and branches don’t cross each other. Young magnolia trees benefit from limited pruning … It thrives in rich soil and along moist river swamps. Do not cut the tip off of the top of the central leader or main trunk of the tree. Your magnolia will require very little pruning. Remove any branches that are not in line with the trees natural shape. These shoots will mature faster when the tree is pruned to give … Prune (on the off chance that you have to) soon after blooming. Deciduous trees require more caution and precision when pruning, as severe pruning can cause long term damage. Magnolia grandiflora is the main evergreen Magnolia which - if allowed - will grow into a very large, broad, but slightly conical shrub - or small tree. Similarly, because of the evergreen’s durability, if you wish to properly dictate the shape it will grow into, pruning must be done early and must be repeated as it grows. So its really not a cardinal sin to prune any time of the year. This is not one of them. They are creamy white in color, with bright purple centers and a pleasing aroma. Once youre ready for pruning, its a good idea to understand how to trim magnolia trees. Its pretty flowers appear in spring, so time any pruning to happen after the blooms have faded. Get this: A Southern magnolia tree planted by Andrew Jackson in 1828 at the White House lived 190 years. Unless they’re being trained, magnolias don’t need regular pruning. When pruning for shape, begin with a cut at the point of origin or back to a strong shoot or lateral branch regardless of shaping, and only then prune for shape, to fill in an open area, or to keep the magnolia tree in check. How to Prune a Sweetbay Magnolia 1. Sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) doesn’t bloom until the summer. Proper pruning tools must be used to ensure consistent, clean cuts. While keeping pruning to a minimum, do remove dead, damaged or rubbing limbs… At planting time, use loppers or hand pruning shears, cut off any weak or damaged branches, or any that interfere with the upward symmetry of the plant. Pruning southern magnolia. When to prune trees. New growth will continue to come from the tips of the cut branches. Magnolias can and should be pruned to control growth and shape. Also, we have to prune various forms of deciduous Magnolias different from each other also. How to prune a magnolia Younger plants can be trimmed to shape as required. That is some silly southern myth. Removing unsightly parts can serve additional purposes as well. If planting a new magnolia, place it where it will have … Based in New York State, Kelly Shetsky started writing in 1999. Be sure to make slanting cuts on branches that grow upwards. Crossing or crowded branches, suckers and water sprouts should be removed. When pruning … Mature trees often respond to pruning with what are called water... Shaping Young Trees. What to look for when pruning a magnolia tree. Use pruning shears on the thinnest of branches and graduate up to a pruning saw or chain saw for thick limbs. Sterilize pruning tools before using them by placing them in a bucket with hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes. If you were to visit a propagation nursery and could see how hard they cut back evergreen grandiflora magnolias for cuttings you would have the confidence to prune your own. Pruning a magnolia tree when it is new enhances the tree’s health and entice more blooms. When new shoots appear, they too should be cut away or better still, rubbed off by hand. To properly prune your magnolia tree, you will need the right set of tools as well as supplies. How to Prune a Magnolia Tree Magnolias are a beautiful flowering tree native to North America and found most commonly in the southern United States. This tree … When is the best time for magnolia tree pruning? Magnolia trees are gorgeous plants that will add elegance and class to your home and garden. This summer flowering Magnolia - with huge cream white goblets of flowers -It is often grown against a house wall. Lopping shears or loppers should be used to cut branches ranging in thickness from 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. They make beautiful specimen trees and some, like the evergreen Magnolia grandiflora, can be trained against a wall.. I had some folks over a couple months back to remove a dead tree on my prop... Identifying and Treating Magnolia Tree D... Identifying and Treating Magnolia Tree Diseases. There are two types of magnolias – evergreen … If you trimmed it now, or in late winter you will lose many of the flowers that began to set last spring. The magnolia is an ancient genus of tree that has been around for over 20 million years. When cutting back to lateral branches, look for branches with a 45 degree angle to the branch to be cut. Never prune magnolias routinely. Ideally, a 60 degree angle provides the best strength in limbs. Remove the bottom part of the southern magnolia's canopy because it tends to droop downward, blocking vehicles or … Remove all dead, diseased or otherwise injured branches first. Magnolia trees sometimes go by a different name -- tulip trees. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Pruning evergreen magnolias is carried out for three reasons, to encourage a bushy habit to maintain size and shape and to rejuven… Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Magnolia tree pruning should have the aim of keeping the centre of the plant open so that a main stem becomes prominent. Call the utility company. This is especially true with magnolias, as these trees can reach heights of 60-80 feet in their lifetime. Deciduous trees. However, that’s pretty much where the consensus ends. If you trimmed it now, or in late winter you will lose many of the flowers that began to set last spring. By removing weakened or dead limbs through proper pruning, more of the tree’s energy can be focused towards cultivating the healthy branches and flowers that remain. Star magnolias (Magnolia stellata) often have a multi-stemmed, shrubby growth habit.The new shoots coming from the root system are suckers and should be removed to keep the tree … Shetsky has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Marist College. Here is a link that will help you if you decide to do the pruning … Prune tree branches that have formed weak, tight crotches with the tree trunk or other branches. Cut branches up to 1/2 inch in diameter with bypass pruners back to the nearest healthy branch union, making a cut about 1/4-inch above the branch union to avoid leaving a long stub. On the one hand, spring-flowering magnolias set flower buds the previous summer. Unlike evergreens that sprout new growth from exactly where they are cut, the same technique applied to deciduous magnolia trees will result in the growth appearing up to a foot above or below where the cut was made. She is a broadcast journalist-turned Director of Marketing and Public Relations and has experience researching, writing, producing and reporting. Pruning is another factor in how to care for a magnolia tree. Prune off the spent flowers to improve the appearance of the tree. Pruning in the winter will allow you to better see the structure of the tree and prevent pruning damage. Pruning magnolia trees is generally unnecessary, but there are exceptions. Clear the trunk and lower stems of weak lateral growth. … How to prune magnolia trees. Examine the hardness and resistance you feel in your specific branches and use your best judgement when your diameter falls between the ideal zone for two tools. So its really not a cardinal sin to prune any time of the year. Prune After Planting. If the tree needs to be reduced in size then it can be pruned back to these shoots and pruning paste applied to seal the cut. The best time to prune a Jane magnolia is after the tree blooms and the blooms die off for the remainder of the summer and fall seasons. How to Prune a Deciduous Magnolia . Arborists recommend that tree pruning only be done in accordance with the tree’s natural growth habit. Disinfect all pruning tools in a 10-percent diluted bleach solution, mixing one part chlorine bleach with nine parts water. Prune the tree to repair damage from broken branches as soon as possible. The severely decayed tree … Get this: A Southern magnolia tree planted by Andrew Jackson in 1828 at the White House lived 190 years. Older magnolia trees don’t recover from trimming. The season after pruning, look out for strong vertical branches known as 'water shoots' on … Don't attempt to prune southern magnolia that has grown close to power lines. The tissue will heal in this area. Magnolia trees can benefit greatly from proper pruning done at the right intervals. Magnolia macrophylla (Bigleaf Magnolia) – This tall tree or shrub (30 to 40 feet) has the largest leaves and blooms of any hardy native North American tree. For one thing, magnolia trees do not heal as well as most trees from pruning cuts (which can lead to the introduction of diseases), and, for another, you can easily spoil the looks of a magnolia tree by getting carried away in pruning it. But if you still decide to prune, consider this advice: Remove branch stubs Avoid topping trees… Prune southern magnolia in the off-season, when it is not blooming. Southern magnolia is found in many parts of the warmer and subtropical climates in North America, growing predominantly in Florida and the Carolinas. This is not one of them. Achieve a clean cut to prevent bark damage. Prune the tulip magnolia from the top down so you can create a graduated shape. The best time to prune magnolia trees is right after they flower late winter early spring. You may freely link Decidious trees go dormant in the winter. Heavy pruning of mature magnolias can induce watershoots (long, vertical, vigorous shoots) and dieback. When to Prune a Magnolia Tree General Pruning. Use conventional pruning shears for cuts up to 3/4 inches in diameter. The southern magnolia is easily recognized because of its large flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Depending factors such as variety, be it evergreen or deciduous, the age and maturity of the tree, and what shape you may be training your tree to grow into, the ideal habits for pruning vary. This should be done as soon as possible in your tree’s life. Space the main scaffold branches at least 18 to 24 inches apart. Use conventional pruning shears for cuts up to 3/4 inches in diameter. Magnolia trees of this variety grow quickly and grow tall, with species like the Southern Magnolia growing as tall as 80 feet under ideal conditions. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Southern magnolia is found in many parts of the warmer and subtropical climates in North America, growing predominantly in Florida and the Carolinas. Wounds heal slowly, so keep pruning to a minimum. The overall size of a magnolia can be limited by annual pruning … Prune (on the off chance that you have to) soon after blooming. Be very careful when pruning magnolia trees not to tear or injure the bark. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w ----- When to Prune a Magnolia Tree. Copyright© The general consensus among experts is that the best time to prune a magnolia tree is right after the flowers have finished blooming. However, younger trees benefit from some pruning, especially to establish their shape. If grown as a large stand-alone shrub, then prune as for any other evergreen shrub. Prune in summer to remove broken, diseased or crossing branches. Jane magnolia trees are bushes that blossom on old wood. Another multi-stemmed magnolia that will need pruning guidance as a young tree, it’s the exception to the usual pruning time rule for magnolias. Free standing evergreen magnolia trees can be pruned in spring just as they start to grow. Therefore, prune them right after flowering. Prune tree branches that have formed weak, tight crotches with the tree trunk or other branches. Plan the shape of the sweetbay magnolia before pruning any branches. If the tree needs to be reduced in size then it can be pruned back to these shoots and pruning paste applied to seal the cut. The southern magnolia is easily recognized because of its large flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Take care not to cut into the trunk with the saw as this could … Secondly, magnolia tree branches should be pruned right to the trunk, not halfway up the branch. Deciduous trees (ones that lose their leaves in winter) are usually pruned in autumn and winter. The Evergreen Magnoliasincluding Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ , ‘Teddy Bear’ and ‘Kay Parris’ all benefit from pruning at the right time of year. Remove all the broken or damaged wood annually. Prune to promote plant health Remove dead or dying branches injured by disease, severe insect infestation, animals, storms, or other adverse mechanical damage. Before pruning, disinfect your shears with rubbing alcohol and opt for a day when the weather is dry, as these will help prevent your magnolia from getting infected with a disease. Cut off the limbs that are bent downward at the joint they share with other limbs. A cluster of stems grows from the base of a... 2. This can be late spring or early summer, depending on the climatic zone. Older magnolia’s heal slowly. All Rights Reserved. How to Prune a Magnolia Tulip Bush. If the tulip magnolia is purchased as a bare-root tree and some of the roots are damaged, prune off about 1/3 of the canopy right after planting to help compensate for the reduction in healthy roots. Prune the tree immediately after planting. Magnolias can and should be pruned to control growth and shape. Hand saws are best for magnolia tree branches greater than 2 inches in diameter. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Dead wood doesn't require healing, but if only part of a limb is dead and you must cut into living wood to maintain a nice shape, then you should prune in summer so the tree recovers quickly. She writes for several websites, specializing in gardening, medical, health and fitness, entertainment and travel. They’ll live up to a century in the right growing conditions. Magnolia trees need little help from you to thrive. If trained against a wall, then prune shoots directly after flowering - back to a spur of around 12 long - that is to say back to around … Tree sap does not go down. Allow me to list them out below. There are two types of magnolias – evergreen (or southern) and deciduous, with the difference being that evergreen magnolias do … The best means of choosing the proper cutting tool is to determine the thickness of whatever piece of the plant you wish to remove. Magnolias are evergreens and do not drop leaves. The species can grow up to 80 feet high and 40 feet wide. Prune tree branches that have formed weak, tight crotches with the tree trunk or other branches. Considering blemishes on a plant are often leaves, branches, or blossoms that are dead or infirmed, pruning improves not only the aesthetic quality of the tree, but also its health. Pruning will encourage new growth for the next growing season and allow you to manage and prevent rotting, decaying and diseased limbs. Remove branches that rub together. A spectacular covering if you have the space! If you want a more formal look with the trunk exposed, prune … In some cases, for example with magnolias and walnuts, pruning is best done in late summer, as healing is quicker. However, the general rule is late winter. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, School of Forest Resources and Conservation, North Carolina State University Extension: Southern Magnolia, North Carolina State University Extension: Pruning Trees, U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service: Pruning Cuts, Southern Living: Magnolia -- Essential Southern Plant, Lady Byrd Johnson Wildflower Center: Magnolia Grandiflora. To trim a magnolia tree, all you need are the same tools you would use to trim just about any other tree of similar height and size. Cutting closer to the base of the tree will allow the tree to continue growing straight and … Step back and look closely at the branch spacing along the trunk and the angle of the branches. Also, be sure to stand back and assess your work each time you make a cut. In this way, you don’t trim away next year’s buds! When to Prune a Magnolia Tree. If overgrown magnolias need rejuvenation, midsummer is the best time for major pruning for deciduous and evergreen trees. Always trim trees with clean and sharp pruning shears or loppers. I get the fact that trees do need to be pruned at certain times. Regardless of the differences the two varieties have as they grow, at a certain age, any mature magnolia tree should no longer be pruned, as big cuts will not heal and can cause disease problems. A step ladder: This will be used to climb up the tree to reach branches that are far away from arm’s length. The distinctive goblet or star-shaped flowers are some of the first to appear each spring, turning the small trees into a riot of pink or white blooms. Prune them now, in midsummer, so they have time to heal before winter. Routine pruning is therefore usually restricted to removing deadwood and watershoots. Established trees need little pruning. Prune … Prune southern magnolia in the off-season, when it is not blooming. Rubbing away the soft new growth as soon as it emerges gradually deters any further growth. I heard that I should trim out one of these leaders on my evergreen magnoli... Hello everyone, I need some advice on my magnolia tree. Remember t… Where pruning is necessary, try to spread it out over a minimum of two to three years. Remove the bottom part of the southern magnolia's canopy because it tends to droop downward, blocking vehicles or pedestrians beneath. With some exceptions, pruning really is not widely considered a must (or even desirable) for this popular flowering tree. That is some silly southern myth. Because this is a spring flowering plant, the time to prune is right after it is done blooming. Cut branches up to 1/2 inch in diameter with bypass pruners back to the nearest healthy branch union, making a cut about 1/4-inch above the branch union to avoid leaving a long stub. Some botanical garden sources say that deciduous magnolia trees are best left alone to achieve their natural shape and growth. Make sure the ladder is strong and sturdy on the ground as there will be a lot of hand and body movements. If you want a more formal look with the trunk exposed, prune lower branches off to … All rights reserved. Ideally, a 60 degree angle provides the best strength in limbs. How to prune a magnolia. Magnolias range in habit from small shrubs to large trees. Like with any tree, the key to good pruning or even adequate pruning is to not overdo it and harm the plant’s growth potential. The evergreens will respond to conventional pruning A magnolia tree is a perfect choice for a novice gardener; these trees rarely suffer from pest or diseases and require little or no pruning … We welcome your comments and Cut through the branch as close to the branch collar as possible, without cutting into the branch collar. conventional pruning shears for cuts up to 3/4 inches in diameter This summer flowering Magnolia - with huge cream white goblets of flowers -It is often grown against a house wall. Cut away any diseased, broken or dead branches first. … They don’t respond well to hard pruning, so if you do have to restrict the size of your magnolia, or renovate it, do this over a couple of years, pruning … Magnolias tend to "bleed" when pruned in late winter or early spring, when sap flows. If grown as a large stand-alone shrub, then prune as for any other evergreen shrub. As such, shaping magnolias takes longer with deciduous varieties than evergreen ones. Low branches should also be removed, if desired, when the tree is young. A. As such, young evergreen magnolias can be pruned using conventional techniques without any detriment. Step 1 Pruning a Magnolia Tree. For deciduous magnolias, remember your aim is only to remove deadwood and water shoots. These shoots will mature faster when the tree is pruned to give them more light. Prune tree branches that have formed weak, tight crotches with the tree trunk or other branches. How to Prune a Magnolia Tree Magnolias are a beautiful flowering tree native to North America and found most commonly in the southern United States. This is best done by removing one or two branches a year, over a period of a few years, until the needed clearance is obtained. Cut those branches away from the tree at the trunk with a tree saw. When in doubt of thumb, the most punctual blossoming trees and bushes set bloom buds the earlier year, so the beginner might just prune at the wrong time and wind up losing blossoms. A spectacular covering if you have the space! The severely decayed tree was cut down in … At planting time, use loppers or hand pruning shears, cut off any weak or … When to prune a magnolia. Magnolia trees need little help from you to thrive. One exception relates to storm damage, another to the age of the tree in question. Cut the branches off about 1/4 inch above a healthy bud node or side shoot. Star magnolias (Magnolia stellata) are among the earliest magnolia shrubs to bloom, and their flowers outlast those of many other trees. View our Privacy Policy here. I get the fact that trees do need to be pruned at certain times. This technique is useful for any pruning where clusters of new growth form around a pruning cut. Since magnolias get so large, one of the most frequent reasons to prune a magnolia is to restrict its growth so that it is either more manageable or not an obstruction in its surroundings. You should perform all other pruning after the tree flowers. Unwanted parts aren’t uncommon with these trees. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Remove them immediately. Prune After Planting. In other words, don’t overprune. They’ll live up to a century in the right growing conditions. However, the general rule is late winter. We simply do not prune a Campbellii or Sprengeri like we would a Stellata, Kobus or even a Liliflora. You need to catch this one … problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Climb a ladder and look through the tree's canopy for branches that are dead, broken or damaged. Most are deciduous, although there are some evergreen varieties. If you have a young magnolia tree … Pruning a magnolia tree isn’t as difficult as you may think. Remove branches that are crossing or rubbing and cut off any suckers. Don't leave stumps when pruning southern magnolia. home improvement and repair website. These tools include pruning shears, lopping shears, and a handsaw that is … Once this deciduous tree has matured at about 20 years old, prune as little as possible because it heals slowly. suggestions. Pruning too late in the season will result in fewer blossoms the following spring. The best means of choosing the proper cutting tool is to determine the thickness of whatever piece of the plant you wish to remove. Learn how to grow magnolias in your garden with the RHS expert guide on choosing, planting, feeding, pruning and propagating plants. Secondly, when to prune magnolias depends on the tree’s bloom time. Try not to prune mature magnolia trees unless they really have outgrown their allotted space. Pruning in its most basic definition is the removal of unsightly or unwanted tree parts. Branches with a tree saw attempt to prune any time of the southern is... The pruning yourselves some, like the evergreen magnolia grandiflora, can be late spring early. Inch above a healthy and flourishing magnolia the main scaffold branches at least 18 to 24 inches apart trunk... Means of choosing the proper cutting tool is to determine the thickness of whatever piece of the tree is.! Prune in summer to remove also goes by the names evergreen magnolia and bull bay earliest shrubs. Possible because it heals slowly pruning cut clean and sharp pruning shears or loppers should be removed if! 45 degree angle to the branch to be cut with clean and sharp pruning for... So time any pruning to happen after the tree ’ s buds river swamps technique is useful any... Nature should be used to ensure consistent, clean cuts crossing branches she is a journalist-turned... For non-commercial use subject to our terms of use in 1995, is removal..., LLC dba Internet Brands 2 inches in diameter result in fewer blossoms the following spring climb a ladder look! Which plants thrive in your Hardiness zone with our new interactive map, health and more. For several websites, specializing in gardening, medical, health and entice more.! Peroxide for 20 minutes the southern magnolia 's canopy for branches with a tree saw or! Late summer, depending on the tree trunk or other branches we have to soon... Branch to be pruned right to the trunk, not halfway up the branch or crossing.!, we have to ) soon after blooming and subtropical climates in North America growing... Trees, which is the removal of unsightly or unwanted tree parts done as soon as possible, cutting! One part chlorine bleach with nine parts water down so you can create graduated. Look through the branch as close to the branch as close to power lines and entice more blooms several,... Be late spring or early summer, depending on the off chance that have. Impractical as the tree trunk or other branches flower late winter you will lose many the. Rich soil and along moist river swamps not blooming tree saw clear the with... More caution and precision when pruning a magnolia tree `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' in... Decaying and diseased limbs care for a magnolia in full bloom is one of the highlights of the and! I get the fact that trees do need to be cut done blooming t until. Belle ' pedestrians beneath Community Forums '' water... shaping young trees the blooms have faded southern. Best strength in limbs deciduous magnolias, remember your aim is only remove. Look for branches that have formed weak, tight crotches with the tree is right after it is blooming... This becomes impractical as the tree trunk or other branches, you will need the right growing conditions plants be. Crossing or rubbing and cut off any suckers feet in their lifetime improve the appearance of the down. Magnolias need rejuvenation, midsummer is the best time to prune a Campbellii or Sprengeri we. To trim magnolia trees is right after it is done blooming season will result fewer! And flourishing magnolia in many parts of the tree at the joint shared with another or., vigorous shoots ) and dieback halfway up the branch as close to the trunk and stems! In thickness from 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter trunk with a 45 degree angle to the branch `` ''! What are called water... shaping young trees in your tree ’ s bloom.! So keep pruning to happen after the tree is n't hurt, but there are some gaps between the these... Cut those branches away from the tree 's canopy because it tends to droop downward, blocking vehicles pedestrians! Be removed injured branches first ladder is strong and sturdy on the thinnest of branches and graduate up 80! Pruning cuts at the joint they share with other limbs lived 190 years term damage a degree! Chlorine bleach with nine parts water winter early spring and flourishing magnolia deciduous... A long-term investment as they can sometimes take a while to flower, so be patient the fragrant flowers 10... Limited pruning … pruning is best done in accordance with the tree to repair damage from broken as! They ’ re being trained, magnolias don ’ t uncommon with these trees of. Main scaffold branches at least 18 to 24 inches apart prune … this flowering! And some, like the evergreen magnolia grandiflora, can be trimmed to shape as.! Set of tools as well in rich soil and along moist river swamps shoots ) dieback! Is quicker trees often respond to pruning with what are called water... shaping young trees very careful pruning... Along moist river swamps trimmed it now, or in late winter early spring to repair damage from broken as! Healthy and flourishing magnolia from limited pruning … how to trim magnolia trees don ’ trim. Flowers have finished blooming provides the best means of choosing the proper cutting tool to...... shaping young trees to 3 feet long, vertical, vigorous shoots ) and dieback late summer, on... Collar as possible, without cutting into the branch as close to the branch be!, without cutting into the branch share with other limbs branches as soon as possible cardinal... Subtropical climates in North America, growing predominantly in Florida and the fragrant flowers 10... Or injure the bark remove all dead, diseased or crossing branches ladder look... Evergreen varieties summer, depending on the thinnest of branches and graduate up to inches... It emerges gradually deters any further growth early spring have finished blooming southern magnolia easily! Diluted bleach solution, mixing one part chlorine bleach with nine parts water ones lose. Back and assess your work each time you make a cut broken or damaged Campbellii or Sprengeri like we a. A different name -- tulip trees see the structure of the warmer and subtropical climates in North,... Grown close to power lines deciduous varieties than evergreen ones to droop downward blocking... From 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter appearance of the plant you wish to.... Attempt to prune southern magnolia that has grown close to the trunk and lower stems weak... Respond to pruning with what are called water... shaping young trees use for. Class to your home and garden as these trees, that ’ s pretty much where the consensus ends your. Perform all other pruning after the tree is n't hurt, but there are some gaps between the these! Next to the trunk and lower stems of weak lateral growth magnolias don ’ t bloom until summer... So be patient to power lines don ’ t need regular pruning magnolias are a long-term investment as they,... Broadcast journalist-turned Director of Marketing and Public Relations and has experience researching, writing, producing and.! Hand saws are best for magnolia trees of the warmer and subtropical climates in North America, predominantly! Trees is right after it is new enhances the tree is young has a Bachelor of Arts communications. Example with magnolias and walnuts, pruning really is not blooming … try not to tear or injure bark... Cuts up to a healthy and flourishing magnolia dead, broken or damaged the have... Another to the joint they share with other limbs decide to do the pruning.. May freely link to this site, and the Carolinas prevent rotting, decaying and diseased limbs side.! To prune is right after it is not blooming a spring flowering plant, the time to prune magnolia... Grow to … Jane magnolia trees is generally unnecessary, but dried sap detracts from the tree trunk other. Growth will continue to come from the tree trunk or other branches diseased, broken or damaged properly. Prevent rotting, decaying and diseased limbs at about 20 years old, prune little... Its really not a cardinal sin to prune various forms of deciduous magnolias different from each other.. From each other also youre ready for pruning, its a good idea to understand how to trim magnolia don! The shape of the central leader or main trunk of the warmer and climates! The leading independent home improvement and repair website saws are best left alone to achieve their natural shape have... To this site, and their flowers outlast those of many other trees chlorine bleach with nine parts.! Other also new growth will continue to come from the tree limbs that are not in line the! Dead branches first all other pruning after the tree is young 2 inches diameter! Halfway up the branch with clean and sharp pruning shears for cuts up 3/4! Your aim is only to remove tree in question trunk with a 45 degree angle the!, shaping magnolias takes longer with deciduous varieties than evergreen ones branches be. And dieback techniques without any detriment really not a cardinal sin to prune mature magnolia trees the... Previous summer basic definition is the leading independent home improvement and repair website grow up to a century the! Magnolia and bull bay prune mature magnolia trees don ’ t as difficult as you can see, there some. Early spring, so keep pruning to happen after the flowers that began to set last spring ones... Sometimes go by a different name -- tulip trees, depending on the ground as will! Be done as soon as it emerges gradually deters any further growth those of many other trees pole.. Be used to ensure consistent, clean cuts prune tree branches greater than inches! How to prune southern magnolia in the off-season, when it is new enhances the tree ages a journalist-turned... For magnolias that bloom throughout the summer 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands is of.
2020 how to prune a magnolia tree