Marianne's Response

Star Magnolis

Our church has a (I believe) star magnolia that looks like a bush. It was suggested to prune it up from the bottom a bit to make it look like a tree. I read that one should not prune a magnolia because it will grow a lot of water sprouts.
Is it ok to prune it? If so when and how.
Thanks

Posted by woltzen on August 24, 2017

Marianne's Response

I also have a Star Magnolia and if it is pruned lots of new shoots appear but I have removed the lowest branches myself to create more of a tree shape. I do this in early spring then quickly remove any new sprouts. My advice is to avoid pruning if you can but if you are willing to remove the new shoots that sprout a few weeks and months after pruning you can shape up your magnolia a bit. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti