How to prune magnolia 'elizabeth'

Immediately after flowering in spring, or late summer. Use sharp, clean tools to remove dead or damaged wood back to the branch collar. For crossing branches, remove the weaker stem at its origin. Avoid large cuts; if a big limb must come off, do it in stages over two seasons.

Rarely; inspect annually and prune only when structurally necessary. Magnolia 'Elizabeth', a deciduous yellow-flowered hybrid, requires minimal pruning. Its naturally elegant shape develops without intervention. Prune only to remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Hard pruning is not recommended as this magnolia bleeds sap and heals slowly, increasing disease risk. Let it grow freely for best results.

Use sharp, clean tools to remove dead or damaged wood back to the branch collar. For crossing branches, remove the weaker stem at its origin. Avoid large cuts; if a big limb must come off, do it in stages over two seasons.