When to Prune Magnolia Trees in Southern California
Annual pruning helps the magnolia tree grow more beautiful and strong in the Southern California landscape. Pruning can help shape the tree and control its size; it can correct growth; and it can get rid of diseased branches or leaves. Does this Spark an idea?
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Time to Prune
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The best time to prune is after the magnolia flowers because you want to enjoy that season's flower crop. Magnolias in Southern California flower before June 1, and should be pruned when the flowers are finished.
Tools
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In order to do the best pruning job on the magnolia, have tools handy that do the job well. Use hand pruners for branches that are up to 1/2 inch in diameter, and loppers for bigger branches. If the lopper can't close around a branch, use a pruning saw.
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What to Remove
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Prune young trees to have well-spaced branches. Large magnolias needs to have the dead wood removed as well as branches that cross or rub against each other. If the magnolia has winter damage from heavy rains or high winds in Southern California, it should be reshaped.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
