Magnolias are dense and can grow to great heights.magnolias don't respond well to heavyPruning, but it may be tempting to cut back an overgrown magnolia.Too many branches can cause stress, cause suckers, and make the tree vulnerable to disease.If you need to remove dead branches after the first bloom, do it in the summer.Don't remove too many branches to protect your tree.
Step 1: The healthy branches should be prioritized over dead ones.
magnolia trees may cause more harm than good if branches are removed.If you want to save the tree, start with branches that are dying or dead.When you are unsure, be conservative with what you trim.Magnolias are very sensitive to their environment.Damage to the tree can be caused by over-pruning.
Step 2: Wait for the magnolia tree to bloom.
This could be in the spring or summer.The time after the first bloom is when you should do the most work on your magnolia tree.The tree may not produce any blossoms the following year, so don't Prune in winter or early spring.The tree is more susceptible to disease.If you notice a disease in a branch at a different time of the year, you can remove it.This can cause damage to the tree or make it susceptible to other diseases.Try to treat the disease first.
Step 3: Before and after the tree is trimmed,Disinfect your shears.
Wait a few seconds and wipe down the shears with rubbing alcohol.Disinfect the shears in between the trees and plants.
Step 4: Near the trunk, cut off dead wood.
Deadwood does not produce leaves or flowers when the rest of the tree is not in bloom.It might be a different color than the rest of the tree.To remove the branch from the trunk, use lopping shears.No matter how big or small the branch is, deadwood should be removed.
Step 5: If any branches show signs of disease, identify them.
There are a number of signs of disease in leaves, bark, and wood.The branches that meet the trunk should be removed if the disease is limited to 1 or 2 branches.It may be too late to treat cankers on the main trunk of the tree.An arboriculturalist will inspect your tree.You may need to remove the entire tree.There are many diseases for magnolias.In addition to removing the branches, you may need to apply a pesticide.
Step 6: A handsaw is used to remove branches over 2 inches in diameter.
Cut under the branch 18 in (46 cm) away from the trunk.Cut about 1/3 of the way through the branch.The second cut should be on the top of the tree.These cuts will protect the tree from damage if the branch falls while you're removing it.You can remove the branch if you make the cuts.To protect the tree, leave about 1 in above the branch collar.If the branches are dead or showing signs of disease, it's time to remove them.Water suckers can be caused by large, healthy branches being removed.
Step 7: If you want to control growth, you should choose young branches.
You can sometimes remove the younger branches to prevent overgrowth.There are branches that are around 1–2 in in the tree.Look for branches that are growing at an odd angle.These are good candidates to be removed.If the tree has well-established branches on it, they should not be removed.The removal of healthy branches can damage your tree.magnolias are so sensitive to trimming that it is a good idea to leave it alone for a few years.The results will be worth the wait in the long run.After the first bloom, you can remove dead or sick branches.
Step 8: Pruning shears can be used to open the tree.
Thin, young side-shoots are growing off the main branches.These are usually less than 2.5 cm in diameter.Cut them off at the branch.The density of the tree will be reduced by trimming off the new shoots.They can help make the tree more attractive.Only target small, young growths.
Step 9: Use shears to cut off branches.
All the way to the trunk, follow the branch back.The cut above the branch collar is where the trunk and branch meet.To prevent disease, leave about 1 in on the branch.The branches should not be cut at the ends.Magnolias have a habit of producing many smaller stems and branches that are difficult to control.Water sprouting results in an unattractive tree compared to the natural growth of a magnolia.
Step 10: The tree has water on it.
Water sprout are scraggly branches that grow when a branch is broken.They grow in clusters.Rub the new shoots with your hand until they break.
Step 11: You should wear protective gloves and goggles while you work.
Gloves will protect your hands from splinters and cuts, while goggles will keep wood chips out of your eyes.You can buy them at a hardware store.If you are climbing on ladders, you should wear a helmet and ask someone to be a spotter.
Step 12: Prune the tree when it's dry.
If it is wet or damp, a freshly cut branch can be a breeding ground for disease.If you choose a dry, sunny day, you can help prevent this.
Step 13: If you need to use a ladder, get someone else to spot you.
magnolias can grow very tall, so you may need a ladder to reach the branches.If this is the case, make sure that there is someone else watching you.A branch can fall on this person.It's important to use safe ladder practices.Make sure that your ladder is properly secured and grounded before you climb it.
Step 14: If the tree has a lot of dead branches, you should hire an arborist.
While you may be able to trim the lower branches yourself, it is a good idea to hire an arborist to take care of the high branches on the tree.Any issues that might be affecting the tree can be safely treated by an arboriculturalist.If more than one branch is showing signs of a disease, an arborist can help you treat the tree.A tree service or landscape service may be advertised by an arboriculturalist.