The way to Prune 'Yellow Bird' Magnolia

Although they produce dramatic, canary-yellow flowers, “Yellow Bird” magnolias (Magnolia acuminata “Yellow Bird”) require only light pruning to keep their graceful shape. These flowering trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Prune them in late spring or early summer, after they have finished flowering to your year.

Getting Ready

Loppers or bypass shears cut through branches over 1/2 inch in diameter, but you will need a little pruning saw to eliminate thicker branches. Disinfect the shears or watched before you begin pruning so that you don’t spread disease to the magnolia. Wipe the blades with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol before pruning, and again after cutting through diseased timber or when moving between trees.

Removing Dead Wood

Dead and broken hardwood weaken the tree and provide an opening for diseases to input to the primary trunk. Magnolias might have significant winter damage, especially in windy areas. Cut back dead or broken branches to the branch collar, which is the raised ridge in which the branch joins to the main trunk or even a bigger branch. Make the cut flush to the collar but prevent cutting into the collar. Trim off broken or dead twigs flush to the primary division.

Cleaning Up

Crossed branches rub with them, eventually causing damage and weakening the “Yellow Bird” magnolia. Cut back crossed branches to the branch collar before damage occurs. Removing the crossed branches also opens up the inside of the magnolia so sunlight and air can penetrate the interior. Water spouts are erect branches that grow straight into the atmosphere. Eliminate these back to the branch collar to keep the graceful form of the magnolia.

Light Shaping

“Yellow Bird” magnolias don’t require routine shaping since they develop a balanced kind, but it is possible to cut back long, overhanging branches which block walkways or streets. Trim these back to the desired length, which makes a clean cut near a leaf or leaf grass. “Yellow Bird” includes a natural upright, pyramidal shape, therefore overhanging branches are not typically too long.

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