An annual pruning is often enough to keep Magnolia trees full, dense, and loaded with flowers during the bloom cycle. Maintenance pruning maintains the form and keeps the tree balanced while promoting new growth. A well-timed pruning session just once per year will help the tree thrive all year. Learn how to properly prune Magnolia trees to help your plants thrive.
When to Prune Magnolia Tree
Magnolias are sensitive to excess pruning and will bleed sap from cuts made in late winter or spring. Wait until blooming is complete before pruning Magnolia trees, otherwise you may remove developing flower buds. Magnolia trees bloom for about three weeks. Deciduous varieties bloom in early spring, so plan to prune around late spring. Evergreen Magnolia cultivars bloom in early summer, so you can prune the tree around mid-summer.
Prune Magnolia trees once a year. One trim per year is enough to shape the plant. Dead or damaged growth can be removed as needed.
Why Prune Magnolia Tree
Pruning is necessary to maintain a desirable shape or size for Magnolia trees. Trimming removes overgrowth and promotes branching, which creates a full and dense form and encourages more abundant flowers. Trees may experience lopsided or uneven growth, which can be corrected with careful shaping. Removing crossed and congested branches keeps the tree healthy and increases access to sunlight and air circulation.
How to Prune Magnolia Tree
Step 1 - Inspect the tree for dead, damaged, crossed, or uneven growth.
Trim dead or damaged branches back until you reach live wood. Sheer uneven or lopsided growth to create a consistent, rounded appearance.
Step 2 - Remove overgrowth or trim the ends of branches.
Cut branches back to encourage more growth and branching.
Step 3 - Trim suckers and vertical branches (watershoots) as far back as possible.
Suckers sap energy from the main tree and can be removed anytime.
Magnolia Tree Pruning Tips
- Remove dead or damaged growth at any time
- Prune suckers and watershoots to redirect energy into the tree
- Trim overgrowth after the flowers fade