Pruning guide
How to prune southern magnolia
More southern magnolia care
Pruning southern magnolia — FAQ
When should I prune southern magnolia?
Late spring to early summer, after the first flush of flowers. Make clean cuts with a pruning saw just outside the branch collar. Do not leave stubs. Remove lower branches gradually over several years if raising the crown — avoid removing more than one-quarter of the live crown at once.
How often does southern magnolia need pruning?
As needed; established trees rarely require pruning beyond removing dead wood. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) is a large evergreen tree that needs minimal pruning once established. Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late spring after the main flower flush. Lower limbs can be removed to raise the crown. Avoid heavy pruning — the tree bleeds sap and is slow to compartmentalize wounds.
How do you prune southern magnolia?
Make clean cuts with a pruning saw just outside the branch collar. Do not leave stubs. Remove lower branches gradually over several years if raising the crown — avoid removing more than one-quarter of the live crown at once.