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How to Prune Southern Magnolia
How to Prune Southern Magnolia. The Southern magnolia tree is one of the most versatile trees in the world. As an evergreen, it provides color during the winter and grows large, beautiful flowers during the summer and fall. The Southern magnolia tree can be pruned in several different ways. Some people prefer it as a tree, and others prefer it as a...
The Southern magnolia tree is one of the most versatile trees in the world. As an evergreen, it provides color during the winter and grows large, beautiful flowers during the summer and fall. The Southern magnolia tree can be pruned in several different ways. Some people prefer it as a tree, and others prefer it as a bush. With the right techniques the Southern magnolia can obtain either of these shapes.
Things You'll Need
Pruning shears
Tree saw
Small hand saw
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Hedge clippers
Hat
Inspect your tree to see if there are any dead branches or branches that are growing at odd angles with the rest of your tree. These will be the branches that need to go first before any other shaping is done. Prune in winter or spring before the magnolia tree starts to bloom.
Decide what shape you want your magnolia tree to take. It is possible to train a Southern magnolia tree to match almost any shape. You can prune it to look like a traditional tree or to look like a hedge. It is even possible for a Southern magnolia to be trained to grow against a wall. Depending on where the magnolia tree is planted, every one of these options is viable.
Use the tree saw, hand saw and hedge clippers to trim off dead and dying branches and twigs. Wear gloves and protective eyewear. A hat will also prevent tree droppings and twigs from falling on your head and getting in your hair as you work. Throw the tree branches away.
Keep the idea of the final shape that you want in your mind when pruning to match a particular shape. It is best to train the tree a little at a time. Too much pruning at once can kill or stunt a tree and cause it to never be able to match a particular shape. To get the Southern magnolia to look like the traditional tree shape, cut the lowest branches until a trunk is established. Cut the ends of the upper branches in a rounded shape. The lower branches will be the widest, with the tree tapering in slightly near the top.
Make your Southern magnolia tree into a hedge shape by pruning the upper branches. Leave the bottom branches and trim the entire tree into a square or rectangular shape. This process will take several years to establish.
