How to Trim Magnolia Shrubs

Prune magnloias to maintain their shape and encourage new growth.

Magnolias produce pink, purple and white flowers. The blooms grow three to 12 inches wide. The magnolia requires full sunlight. They do not require an annual pruning, but they need to be pruned to encourage new growth and to maintain their shape. The shrubs add beauty to landscapes, and they require a minimal amount of maintenance.

Things You'll Need

• Anvil pruning shears

Instructions

1. Prune the magnolia once it has finished blooming. Prune them in the late spring to make sure that you do not cause damage to next year's blooms.

2. Inspect the magnolia for damaged branches. Branches that appear damaged or bruised and those that did not produce any blooms need to be removed with pruning shears.

3. Trim the branches at the base. Use anvil pruning shears for best results, and be careful not to damage the main branch. Cut away dead and decaying branches and any branches that rub together or rub on the bark.

4. Cut back the foliage on the magnolia with pruning shears to encourage new growth. Remove 25 percent of the bush. Use the shears to maintain a desired shape.

5. Pick up all the foliage clippings. Place them in the garbarge or composting.

References

• USDA: Magnolia Questions and Answers
• Floridata: Magnolia Liliiflora
• University of Minnesota Extension: Pruning Trees and Shrubs