The botanical genus of the magnolia family is one of the oldest plants on our planet. In fact, the beautifully flowering trees are much older than the dinosaurs, as evidenced by the simple structure of the nevertheless impressive, huge flowers. Magnolia trees also grow very naturally and often form bizarre-looking formations of their branches and twigs. Because of this and the fact that the trees can grow very tall and wide, pruning is sometimes essential. However, this needs to be carefully considered, because many magnolias do not tolerate pruning well.
Is cutting a magnolia recommended in autumn?
Pruning magnolias in autumn only makes sense in special cases, such as storm damage, dead or diseased trees or spreading fungal infections. In general, magnolias should be pruned after flowering to take advantage of their resistance to fungal infections and to allow for better recovery.
Pruning magnolias after flowering
In our latitudes, many, if not most, garden trees are cut back in autumn. However, magnolias, like other early-flowering bushes and trees, should be cut after flowering if possible. At this point in time, which - depending on the variety - can be in spring or early summer, the plant is fully in its sap and can therefore cope with pruning more easily. In addition, magnolias are more defensive in summer and therefore more resistant to possible fungal infections - the greatest danger when pruning a magnolia is the penetration of pathogenic fungi into the fresh cuts.
Be careful when pruning the magnolia
Before you decide to prune, also consider that magnolias that are pruned immediately after flowering often do not produce a second flower in the current year - and, if pruned quite heavily, do not want to bloom in the following year either. In addition, after pruning you will not be able to produce the strangely shaped but very decorative fruits.
When pruning makes sense in autumn
In some cases, however, cutting back the magnolia in the fall can make a lot of sense and should be done then. Such cases are about
- storm damage
- dead or diseased trees
- a rapidly spreading fungal infection that threatens the entire tree
Especially in the event of storm damage, often only drastic pruning can save the tree - if it can even cope with the cut. However, in such a case you have no other choice and should therefore just let it go. Dead or irreversibly diseased branches and twigs rob the magnolia of strength and light and should therefore be removed immediately, regardless of the season.
Tips & Tricks
No matter when you need or want to cut back your magnolia, always cut off branches and twigs directly on the trunk or branch. Don't leave any stumps! Treat the cuts preventatively with a tree resin (€11.00 on Amazon) to prevent fungi from penetrating.
