How to Trim a Southern Magnolia

Magnolia trees are valued for their large showy blooms.

Magnolia grandiflora, the southern magnolia tree, is loved in the south for its large white flowers and heady fragrance. A mature tree can reach 80 feet tall, spreading its branches to a 30 to 40 foot radius.



Minimal trimming to support the tree's health and maintain the strong natural shape is recommended. Take care to avoid over pruning; remove only what is necessary to maintain a healthy tree.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Small hand saw
• Alcohol

Instructions

1. Clean pruning tools in alcohol before use to sterilize and avoid spreading disease.

2. Trim away dead, diseased and damaged limbs immediately. Cut back to a healthy branch or to the trunk. Make a clean cut just above the branch collar, leaving no stubs. The branch collar is the swelling where the branch attaches to the trunk.

3. Do routine pruning in the early spring while the tree is still dormant. Maintain the natural shape of the tree, trimming branches growing outside the pattern only as necessary

4. Remove branches that rub together or against other landscape structures. Make clean cuts and avoid damaging the tree bark.

5. Remove trimmed branches and debris from the area.

6. Trim flowers for cut use by snipping the branch below the flower with pruning shears. Handle the flower by the stem to prevent bruising.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut magnolia flowers just before using, the flowers turn brown and spoil quickly.

References

• University of Minnesota Extension: Pruning Trees and Shrubs
• Texas A&M Agrilife Extension: Proper Pruning Techniques
• US Department of Agriculture: Southern Magnolia