Southern magnolia: when and how to prune

Southern magnolia: when to prune it?

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In April, when the worst frosts are over and new growth starts. Prune as little as possible.

What else to prune in those months? April

Southern magnolia: how to prune it?

1. Remove only dead, frosted or damaged wood, cutting just above a healthy leaf or side shoot.
2. On a wall, cut out shoots growing away from it and tie the rest in along the wires.
3. Shorten over-long branches back to a side shoot, without leaving stubs.
4. Saw large branches off in stages so the bark does not tear.

How much to cut, and how often?

• One pruning period a year: April.
• Never remove more than about a quarter of the crown at once. Better a little every year.

What does it mean for wildlife?

• Pruning in April can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
• Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.

Common mistakes

• Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
• Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.

Nearby: related pruning guides

• Cucumber tree
• Magnolia
• Mulan magnolia (Magnolia liliiflora)
• Oyama magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii)
• Star magnolia
• Fig tree

Plant profile: Southern magnolia · Pruning calendar and basic rules