Buzz
Magnolia trees are known for their beauty and dense foliage, often reaching impressive heights. While the temptation to prune an overgrown magnolia may arise, it's important to understand that magnolias generally do not respond well to extensive pruning. In fact, excessive branch removal can induce stress, promote suckers, and render the tree vulnerable to diseases. If you find it necessary to remove unsightly or deceased branches, it's advisable to do so during spring or summer after the initial bloom. However, it's crucial to avoid excessive branch removal to safeguard your tree against potential diseases and damage.
Steps
Eliminating Dead and Ailing Branches
Give priority to removing dead and ailing branches rather than healthy ones. When dealing with magnolia trees, the removal of healthy yet unsightly branches may cause more harm than good. It's imperative to refrain from pruning more than a third of the tree at any given time, thus commencing with branches that are either decaying or already deceased.
- When uncertain, exercise caution with your pruning efforts. Magnolia trees are highly sensitive to pruning, and excessive trimming can inflict damage, diminish blossoms in the subsequent year, and heighten the tree's susceptibility to diseases.
Wait until your magnolia tree blooms for the first time. Depending on the climate and the type of magnolia, this could occur in either spring or summer. Pruning should only be done after the initial bloom, during this specific time.
- Avoid pruning during winter or early spring, as it may inhibit blossoming in the following year and increase the tree's vulnerability to diseases.
- If you observe a diseased branch at another time of the year, you may opt to remove it to contain the disease. However, be cautious as this action could harm the tree or render it susceptible to other diseases. Consider treating the disease before resorting to pruning.
Sanitize your pruning shears before and after use. Clean the shears with rubbing alcohol, ensuring they are dry before use. If pruning multiple trees or plants, disinfect the shears between each one.
Remove deadwood close to the trunk. Deadwood is fragile and often lacks leaves or flowers, even when the rest of the tree is flourishing. It may also exhibit a slightly different color than the rest of the tree. Use lopping shears to cut the branch approximately 1 in (2.5 cm) from the trunk.
- Regardless of the branch's size, deadwood should be promptly removed.
Identify branches displaying signs of disease.
Discolored leaves and bark, drooping branches, or decaying wood can indicate disease. If the disease is confined to 1 or 2 branches, trim them at their junction with the trunk.
- If there are cankers (dead open areas) or other signs of disease on the main trunk, it might be too late for treatment. Consult an arborist for an assessment. In many instances, the entire tree may need removal.
- Magnolias are prone to various diseases such as verticillium wilt, fungal leaf spot disease, or algal leaf spot. Besides removing affected branches, consider applying fungicide or neem oil.
Utilize a handsaw for branches exceeding 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter. Make an incision beneath the branch about 18 in (46 cm) from the trunk. Cut approximately 1/3 of the way through the branch. Then, make a second cut on the top of the branch around 1 in (2.5 cm) further out. These cuts serve to protect the tree, particularly the bark, in case the branch falls during removal.
- Once these cuts are made, trim the branch just above the branch collar. Leave approximately 1 in (2.5 cm) of the branch collar intact to safeguard the tree.
- Only remove such large branches if they are dead or exhibiting signs of disease. Avoid cutting healthy, sizable branches as it may harm the tree and lead to the formation of water suckers.
Managing Growth
Opt for young, lower branches to manage growth. While shaping the tree might not be entirely feasible, periodic removal of younger branches can help curb excessive growth. Look for lower branches, approximately 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) in diameter.
- Focus on branches growing at odd angles or crossing with others, as these are prime candidates for removal.
- Reserve the removal of well-established or upper branches for instances of death or disease. Eliminating large, healthy branches can harm the tree and impede flowering.
- Given magnolias' sensitivity to pruning, consider spacing out major reshaping or trimming over 2-3 years. Despite the wait, the long-term outcomes will justify the patience.
- After the first bloom, immediately prune healthy branches following the removal of dead or diseased ones.
Use pruning shears to trim fresh shoots and open up the tree. Target slender, young side-shoots emerging from main branches, typically less than 1 in (2.5 cm) in diameter. Cut them where they connect with the branch.
- Removing these shoots will reduce tree density, fostering a more open, aesthetically pleasing appearance. However, focus solely on small, young growths.
Employ lopping shears to remove branches near the trunk. Trace the branch back to the trunk and cut just above the branch collar, a slightly broader area where the trunk and branch meet. Leave approximately 1 in (2.5 cm) of the branch intact to prevent disease.
- Avoid cutting branches at their ends. Magnolias tend to produce water sprouts, resulting in numerous small stems and branches that are difficult to manage. Additionally, water sprouting often leads to an unappealing tree compared to its natural growth pattern.
Eradicate water sprouts from the tree. Water sprouts are elongated, untidy branches that emerge from pruned or broken areas. Typically clustered, these sprouts can be removed by rubbing them with your hand until they break off.
Ensuring Safe Pruning Practices
Don protective gloves and goggles prior to pruning. Gloves shield your hands from cuts and splinters, while goggles prevent wood chips from entering your eyes. These items are available at garden or hardware stores.
- If using ladders, consider wearing a helmet and having someone act as a spotter.
Prune the tree during dry weather to mitigate disease risks. Freshly cut branches are susceptible to disease, particularly in moist conditions. Opt for a dry, sunny day for pruning to reduce the likelihood of infection.
Have a spotter present when using a ladder. Certain magnolia varieties can grow quite tall, necessitating the use of a ladder for branch access. Ensure someone is monitoring your safety in case of falls or accidents. They should position themselves away from falling branches.
- Follow safe ladder practices. Adhere to weight limits, secure and stabilize the ladder before climbing.
Consider hiring an arborist for trees with numerous dead or diseased branches. While lower branches can be managed independently, it's advisable to enlist an arborist for taller or heavier branches. Arborists can address extensive tree issues safely.
- In cases of multiple branches affected by disease, an arborist can provide treatment without excessive pruning.
- Arborists may offer services under tree services or landscape services.
Handy Tips
Essential Equipment
- Pruning shears
- Lopping shears
- Handsaw
- Gardening gloves
- Goggles
- Ladder
- Rubbing alcohol
