A magnolia tree is a beautiful tree. The magnolia blossoms add to the beauty. The aroma permeates the air when the magnolia tree is in full bloom. It is better to move the magnolia tree than it is to trim it, but if you find that you must trim this wonderful tree there are some precautions which should be taken.
Trim only during the winter months. The magnolia tree should never be trimmed like ordinary trees. These trees are supposed to grow to majestic heights. The winter months are when the tree is dormant. Less damage is caused to the magnolia tree when you trim during this time of the year.
2
Cut the branches back to the trunk or base of the magnolia tree. You can endanger the tree by hacking off sections here and there. The entire branch should be trimmed back when pruning a magnolia.
3
Use precision when you trim the magnolia tree. You should never trim the entire magnolia tree all at once. Trim only about a third of the tree one season. You can trim more from the magnolia tree the next season. This allows the tree to recover from the pruning process. By alternating the branches that you cut off, you can ensure the tree still has a surplus of blooms during the flowering season.
4
Trim the large branches of the magnolia tree with the hand saw. Cut the tree limb off as close to the trunk of the magnolia tree as possible. You can use a sealer to keep the tree from seeping sap.
5
Use the pruning shears on tree limbs or branches that are small. You still need to cut these smaller magnolia branches close to the trunk of the tree. You may want to seal these cuts as well.
Tips & Warnings
By trimming alternating branches, your magnolia tree will still look beautiful in bloom. Trimming an entire side or bottom will make the tree look lop-sided.
Trimming any tree when the sap is still running can cause the tree to go into shock. The old wives' tale says that you should trim a tree during a month that has an "R" in it. This means trimming should be done during cold months.
Avoid trimming during late summer, like August. This can keep the tree from hardening off for the winter.
There are two types of magnolias: evergreen or southern magnolias and deciduous magnolias. Both types produce fragrant flowers, have elegant arching branches...
Though gardeners rarely need to worry about pruning young magnolia trees, a carefully timed trim can enhance their appearance. When diseased branches...
