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Gardening in the UK

Pruning Magnolia Tree

21 years ago

I know that Prof. Stefan says if you need to prune a tree its in the wrong place. However, my problem is the low branches of the magnolia tree which is about 10 feet tall. When would be the best time to cut these out causing as little disturbance as possible. Thanks

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Comments (2)

shrubs_n_bulbs
21 years ago
I think that all you want to do is limb up the tree to give more clearance underneath? This is relatively straightforward and can be done now. Don't do it too late in summer because you don't want the tree to go into winter with open wounds.

Prune back to the base of the collar, but not flush with the trunk. Use one cut to remove large branches several inches from the trunk and another to trim back cleanly to the collar. Small branches can be removed in a single cut but avoid any tearing that leaves a jagged wound or damages the bark on the tree.
Kevinf
Original Author
21 years ago
Thanks for advise, another job for this weekend.
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Suntower, I hate to be the bearer of not so good news, but the split in the trunk bark is not good. It is extremely vulnerable to getting a disease now. That is a really bad split, that is why the tree is sending out another shoot, it will do that if it feels the main trunk is diseased. Sorry, don't cut it off. Not if that is why the tree is doing that, and by the look at that bark, I believe it is. You may loose the orginal tree, and that extra sprout of branch will be the tree left. I hope it heals alright for you, just don't cut yet.
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a pic or two.. would get you the best advice ... a little hindsight... you should have bought them.. already in that form ...it easy to maintain one in said shape.. but.. as you are finding .... its hard to battle back to a single trunk.. once the plant already has too many trunks ... and chance you want to just call a do over.. perhaps move these out back or something??? pruning for shape or form... is a lifelong chore .... not something you might accomplish in a season or two ... so just make a 10 year plan.. and keep at it ... and you should be able to succeed ... ken ps: using the proper latin name usually leads you to the best advice ... i think you are referring to what i might call a saucer magnolia ... but im not sure.. though im not sure it matters re: pruning ... we should be able to ID it with a few pix ... ta da .. full circle ... lol ..
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