A Beginner's Guide To Pruning Magnolia Trees
Pruning magnolia trees does not have to be as difficult as everyone may tell you. It is advised to only prune in accordance with the natural growth of the tree. Simply put, do not over prune! These stately trees can reach an impressive height of 80 feet tall so it is important to know when to prune and when to pass.
There are basically four reasons why pruning magnolia trees should ever take place.
- If you are training a younger tree to grow a certain way or take a particular shape.
- To improve the health of the tree. Pruning allows for more energy and nutrients to be divided to the remaining flowers and limbs.
- To improve the tree's overall appearance. Removing parts of the tree can increase the value of the landscaping.
- Restrict the growth if the tree is getting too wildly, large or out of control.
When To Prune
According to experts, pruning magnolia trees should be done after all of the flowers are done blooming, preferably when the tree has gone dormant. Depending on if the tree is deciduous or evergreen, pruning may not even be recommended or needed.
Deciduous trees generally thrive if left untouched to reach their maximum growth. Shaping will always take longer with the deciduous trees over the evergreen varieties and evergreens need pruning early on and continuously repeated.
Pruning magnolia trees can be handled with conventional techniques for the evergreen varieties however, if the same pruning style is applied to deciduous trees, the growth will often only come to a foot or so above where it was cut.
General Pruning
To ensure clean, consistent cuts when pruning magnolia trees, proper tools are needed to be used. For cuts that have a diameter of three quarters of an inch, pruning shears are adequate however; lopping shears, or loppers, need to be utilized for thicker branches. Additionally, a hand saw works just as well on any branches with a diameter larger than one inch.
First you will begin by removing any decayed, broken, diseased or dead branches. You want to cut back to a lateral branch or a strong shoot. Then you can make cuts for training purposes. Always consider the natural growth pattern of the tree when cutting. It is very important to not tear branches, bark or the trunk of the tree and never leave any stubs.
When you are pruning back to lateral branches, it is helpful to look for 45 degree-angled branches and make slanting type of cuts on any branches that are growing upward.
General Care
Magnolia trees are equipped with rope-like roots so they are extremely difficult to move once they become established. Therefore, it is very helpful to plant the tree in the most ideal location the first time and maintain the soil. They prefer a well-drained, moist soil in direct sunlight.
Prior to planting, you should conduct a pH test of the soil. You can purchase a handy testing kit from a gardening supply type store or nursery. These trees need between a 5.5 and a 6.5 pH range to thrive so you may need to make adjustments to your soil prior to planting.
Fertilization should be done in March during the first growing year by applying one cup of a slow release type of fertilizer that has a NPK of 8-8-8. Always water thoroughly after you fertilize. Then, in May and June, fertilize again. It is recommended to mulch around the tree, especially in the summer to help keep the soil moist.
The second growing year you will repeat this exactly only you will use two cups of fertilizer rather than one and then the third year you will increase this quantity to four cups.
It is beneficial to test your soil pH every year to assure it remains in the targeted range and pruning magnolia trees should always be done sparingly.