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Magnolia pruning

VillageGardenerVillageGardener Posts: 10
in Plants
Hi All, 

Another questions from my new front garden overhaul. Along the side of the drive there is a row of conifers, which are browning and/or have been allowed to grow too much and if I prune them back to the suitable depth now, they'll not have any green on them. So I think this means they'll have to come out and be replaced by another hedge. Tbh I'm not a conifer fan anyway. The trunks are big so this is going to be a challenge. However, the question is regarding the magnolia in the middle of them. This is a lovely tree when in bloom but I'd want it to be a bit smaller. I've googled this pruning it seems to be a minefield. Does ahyone have any advice for pruning, when to do it, how much can I take off, will it branch out if pruned from the top? Any advice would be great. Images attached, cheers! 

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    I'd take out the conifers, leave the magnolia to flower in the spring and then reassess.  If you then want to prune it then you can, but go slowly.  Take out all crossing branches first, and then thin out spindly branches.
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    I agree with @fidgetbones, once the conifers have gone you may appreciate the screening that the magnolia provides you with when in full leaf, so reassess it after it has flowered in spring.  Removing the conifers will be a challenge, as you say.  Many properties in my neighbourhood were planted with conifers in the 1950's and 60's and they are gradually being removed for the same reasons.  I'd get a few quotes from some reputable contractors and then decide if you want to tackle it yourself.  From my own experience, tidying up and getting rid of the material is also challenging!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Pulling roots out close to the magnolia may disturb it greatly. I would just cut the adjoining ones low to the ground and let them rot naturally.
  • VillageGardenerVillageGardener Posts: 10
    Thanks for the input. Good idea on cutting it low... I would be wanting to replace them with other hedging so idealling I'd like to get as much root out as possible. Like you say, this maybe interfere with the magnolia. 
    Money wise I think I'll tackle it myself, I'm sure it would cost a lottt to get someone in to do it. The main issue will be disposing of the waste! 
  • VillageGardenerVillageGardener Posts: 10
    Just updating you all on the above.....The conifers are gone! This makes the magnolia look even bigger, so I will definitely be pruning this back. Is summer time the best time to prune it? I'm worried about killing it as it is a lovely tree. 
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    If you prune it now it may bleed a lot of sap. Let it flower and then prune after all the flowers are finished, say end of June.  Go slowly and stand back and reasess the shape at regular intervals.
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