How to Trim a Magnolia Bush

The magnolia is a shallow-rooted shrub that requires full sun and a temperate climate. Magnolia bushes feature shiny, dark green leaves and fragrant flowers in shades of white and purple. Although these bushes do not require annual pruning, doing so can shape them nicely. It's best to prune a magnolia in late spring, after it has dropped its blooms.

Things You'll Need

• Anvil pruning shears

Instructions

1. Check the tree for signs of damaged or bruised branches. If a branch has not produced blooms for at least a year, plan to remove it as well.

2. Using anvil pruning shears, clip the damaged branches at the base. Take care not to damage the main branch.

3. Remove any branches that rub against other branches. This helps open the tree's interior canopy and prevents bark damage on other interior branches.

4. Trim back the outer foliage of the magnolia bush to encourage new growth and maintain aesthetics. You can remove 25 to 30 percent of the bush each year to encourage future growth and maintain a desired shape.

5. Finish by cleaning up all clippings. Later in the season, you may wish to even out the magnolia's growth by trimming back extra-long branches.

References

• St. Louis Dispatch - Magnolia
• Floridata - Magnolia