Magnolia Tree Pruning Guide: What You Need To Know

Magnolia Tree Pruning: A Complete How-To Guide

If you are overcome by the urge to start trimming magnolia trees in your yard, take a deep breath. Most mature magnolia trees need little or no pruning, so keep that in mind. It is possible to do a little light magnolia tree pruning, depending on the type of tree you have. 

If you are wondering how and when to trim magnolia trees, keep right on reading. We’ll give you all the information you need to lightly prune a magnolia tree.

Do You Need to Prune Magnolia Trees?

Some trees need pruning to develop a strong structure, while other trees don’t mind being trimmed back severely. But magnolias do not fall into either group. As a general rule, magnolias do not ever require severe pruning unless they have been storm-damaged. However, it is possible to prune some types of magnolia trees very lightly to shape them. 

When to Prune Magnolia Trees

Are you wondering when to prune a magnolia? The best time to do so is in the period between mid-summer and late fall. This is the period when magnolias go dormant. If you trim the trees in late winter or spring, the pruning wounds are likely to bleed sap. 

How to Prune a Magnolia Tree

If you are wondering how to prune a magnolia tree, first ask if you should prune at all. Young evergreen magnolias can be pruned at planting to shape the tree. Simply cut back lengthy branches. Once they are grown, they should generally not be pruned. Pruning to shape them is not required. They evolve into their mature shape slowly, so just step back and let it happen. 

With deciduous magnolias, prune them lightly to shape them if you must. If you need to reduce the size of a magnolia, remove selected branches. When you do so, aim to keep the crown balanced and open by pruning stems back to the trunk. Space any sizing pruning over a few years rather than all at once to avoid weakening the tree. Keep in mind that pruning can stress the trees, and it is better to prune too little than too much. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Young Magnolia Be Pruned to Shape? 

Yes. You can prune young evergreen magnolias at planting. Reduce the length of the longest branches. 

When Do Magnolias Bloom?

Bloom period for magnolias varies among species. Flowering takes place between February and June. The evergreen Oyama magnolia (Magnolia sieboldii) and the shiny-leaved southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) are late bloomers. The popular saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana)is one of the first to bloom, unfolding their lovely blossoms on bare branches before the leaves grow in. 

How Hard Can You Prune a Magnolia?

If you decide that you must prune a mature deciduous magnolia, prune lightly. Pruning stresses the trees. Severe pruning should not be considered.

Topping a tree means cutting off the top section of the trunk in order to make the tree smaller. This is a bad practice and unhealthy for any tree, but particularly for magnolias since they tend to bleed sap from pruning wounds.

Can You Top a Magnolia Tree?

Topping a tree means cutting off the top section of the trunk in order to make the tree smaller. This is a bad practice and unhealthy for any tree, but particularly for magnolias since they tend to bleed sap from pruning wounds.