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Removing a branch from a six foot high Magnolia
Steve the Gardening Vet
Posts: 1,629
in Talkback
When, is the humble and random opinons of forum denizens, is the best time to do this?
It is a low branch that is starting to cross a path so it needs to come off. Google seems to have two totally opposite opinions - do it now when the sap is low OR do it in the late spring after the flowering is over!
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I was told to wait til after the flowering was over, however OH overruled me as he said it would be easier without leaves in the way (our problem branch was rubbing against a telegraph wire, so it was a tall ladder job). We did it in Jan last year, and didn't notice any ill effects. So, i think you pays your money and takes your choice
I had a very large magnolia and the one branch was creeping towards the front door so I chopped it off , but did wait until flowers were done, but not in full leaf.
Don't live there any more but tree still seems to be going strong
Just felt like a change!
Now, from experience.
I reckon after its flowered. If you do it now you might lose some flower buds and also expose it to a chill.
I went and gave it a stern look earlier when I was home for lunch.
It looked back at me with so many developing flower buds that I couldn't bring myself to lop it today so after the flowering is over it is!
I cut back mine after flowering and it did OK
best thing