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Deciduous magnolias should be pruned between midsummer and early fall. Over pruning, even on a young tree, can cause stress. With any magnolia, it is better to aim on the side of pruning too little than too much. Light trimming a magnolia tree is always preferable.
When should you prune magnolia trees?
Prune only between mid-summer and early autumn – cuts are liable to bleed sap if made in late winter or early spring. Always cut back to a natural fork, to avoid leaving unsightly stubs. See our guide to pruning trees and shrubs.
Can you trim a magnolia tree now?
The best time to prune magnolia trees is late spring and summer. They are equally appropriate times of the year to prune your Magnolia Tree, without attracting any disease-causing bugs. You will also want to prune magnolia trees after it has finished flowering or else you risk cutting off the gorgeous flowers.
Can you cut the top off a magnolia tree?
You can’t top a Magnolia without causing damage! Magnolias are not trees that take pruning well. They tend to look really unpleasant after a major pruning, and the rapid regrowth branch structure is just as unsightly and weakly attached to the tree (usually not reliable in ice storms).
Can you hard prune a magnolia tree?
Heavy pruning will encourage the growth of water shoots and could even lead to dieback. If there is storm damage, you will usually get away with hard pruning but try to spread it out over a few years. Free standing evergreen magnolia trees can be pruned in spring just as they start to grow.
How do you trim a magnolia tree?
Mature trees often produce vertical shoots, known as watershoots. These should be removed by cutting back to the trunk or branch. Always prune between mid-summer and early autumn when the leaves are fully open. If you need to limit the size of your magnolia, aim to maintain an open crown with a uniform shape.
How do you trim and shape a magnolia tree?
Remove all dead, diseased or otherwise injured branches first. Remove any branches that are not in line with the tree’s natural shape. Remove branches that are crossing or rubbing and cut off any suckers. Also, be sure to stand back and assess your work each time you make a cut.
How do I know what type of magnolia tree I have?
The best way to identify magnolia trees is by their large aromatic flowers. Individual magnolia varieties have their own distinctive flowers. You can also recognize magnolia trees by their long, elongated leaves with a smooth, shiny surface.
How long do magnolia trees live?
Magnolia Tree Lifespan A Southern magnolia, given a home in rich, moist, well-drained soil and a humid environment and plenty of room to grow to its maximum height of 80 feet tall and 40 feet in diameter, could live 80 to 120 years.
How do you prune magnolias after they bloom?
You should remove any crossed branches or diseased branches to keep them in their original shape. Also, ensure not to trim too much, otherwise, you would end up injuring the bark of the tree. Use a sharp lopper to do the pruning work. Avoid pruning a matured tree, unless you want to remove a dead branch.
How do you take care of a magnolia tree?
Caring for a magnolia tree Your magnolia tree will only require a little care: Mulch annually in spring to help retain moisture in warmer months. Feed with an acid-balanced controlled-release fertiliser in spring. Ensure adequate moisture during hot and/or dry times, especially when plants are young (first 3 years).
Why is my magnolia not flowering?
Magnolias need plenty of sunshine and shelter from strong winds and frosts, which can damage the flowers. Heavy pruning in summer will remove the developing flower buds and will also stress the tree, preventing it from flowering. Lack of water can also stress the tree. Blackened foliage is due to frost damage.
Why is my magnolia tree blooming again?
Magnolia trees can bloom twice a year, but it is not common. If they do bloom twice a year, the first bloom is usually in early spring, and the second is in late summer. Magnolia trees are quite fussy and need to be in excellent condition to bloom. They need to have enough light, with most varieties wanting full sun.
What can you do with overgrown magnolias?
How to Prune a Deciduous Magnolia Prune After Planting. At planting time, use loppers or hand pruning shears to cut off any weak or damaged branches, or any that interfere with the upward symmetry of the plant. Remove Dead or Damaged Wood. Prune for Shape. Remove Suckers and Watersprouts.
What is the smallest magnolia?
Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ Botanical Pronunciation mag-NOH-lee-uh gran-dih-FLOR-uh Average Size at Maturity Moderate growing; reaches 20 to 25 ft. tall, 10 to 15 ft. wide. Bloom Time Late spring through summer; blooms later in cooler regions.
What diseases do magnolia trees get?
Diseases Bacterial blight. Bacterial leaf scorch (similar to Oleander leaf scorch) Canker diseases. Nectria canker.
Why are my magnolia leaves turning yellow?
Too little water can cause drought stress, which results in yellowing leaves on magnolias. Too much water, or soil that doesn’t drain well, can drown the tree roots. This can also cause yellow magnolia leaves. Yellow magnolia leaves can also be a symptom of sunburn or insufficient light.
