How to prune a magnolia? Master the correct pruning method
Before planting, cut off all senescent and damaged branches. When digging up the seedling, prune its root system. After planting, keep 5 to 6 main branches per plant, and keep 7 to 8 short buds on each main branch. Before overwintering, also cut off the dense and redundant branches. In addition, when pruning, apply Bordeaux mixture to the cuts to prevent pest and disease damage.
I. How to prune
Before planting, prune off senescent, damaged, and poorly growing weak branches. When digging up the seedling, prune its root system and cut off old roots and diseased roots. After the magnolia is planted, carry out a relatively heavy pruning; usually, keeping 5 to 6 main branches per plant is enough, and keeping 7 to 8 short buds on each branch is sufficient. Prune once more before overwintering, cutting off dense and redundant branches. In winter, the magnolia is in its dormant period, so pruning at this time causes less damage to the magnolia tree.
II. Precautions
When pruning a magnolia tree, to prevent pests and diseases from harming the magnolia, apply Bordeaux mixture to the cuts to prevent pathogen invasion, ensuring healthy growth of the plant.