- 1). Begin by looking for any dead or frail-looking branches. Remove these with the pole or bypass pruners, making sure to leave a clean edge. If it is a main limb, be sure to cut it right at the point where it meets the trunk.
- 2). Make clean, straight cuts, but be aware that trimming larger branches may create smaller sprouts eventually.
- 3). Cut the stems of dying blooms at the point where they extend from the branch. Pruning right after blooming helps to enhance next year's flowers because they are formed during the summer months.
- 4). Remove the lower branches, which could eventually be an obstruction, though the saucer magnolia is known for its low-hanging canopies.
- 5). Emphasize proper growth by stepping back and imagining the future growth of your tree. If some branches seem longer than they should, cut them back to structure the tree the way you want it.
previous post
next post