Deciduous Magnolias

• The best time to prune deciduous magnolia is anywhere between the middle of summer and early fall. Avoid pruning during late winter to early spring, as the pruning cuts tend to bleed at this time. The main purpose of pruning deciduous magnolias is to develop a strong structure from the start and to maintain a broad, spreading form. This helps to showcase the showy bark and flowers.
  
  

Pruning Method

• Begin shaping the tree from the very start by cutting out all weak branches and cutting back the long shoots. Do not prune magnolias excessively, as this promotes the growth of long, vertical shoots. It is recommended to remove dead wood and vertical shoots as they appear each year. This helps to reduce stress on the tree. When cutting branches, reduce unattractive stubs by pruning to a natural fork.
  
  

Evergreen Magnolias

• The best time to prune evergreen magnolia is right after the blooming is over in late spring and early summer, much like the deciduous magnolia varieties. It is recommended to perform the heavier, form-creating pruning on evergreen magnolias while the trees are still young, as pruning cuts take a long time to heal once trees are mature.
  
  

Pruning Method

• Prune younger evergreen magnolias by cutting short the young, long branches. If longer bare branches are required, remove the lower boughs on these branches. Hard prune the trees only in cases where trees require serious renovation or are damaged in storms. Hard prune trees by cutting off the growth to the main framework. However, it is best to conduct hard pruning over a few years to avoid stressing the tree.