Just Had A Magnolia Tree Cut Back Very Hard. Now Read That Mature Trees Don’t Survive This.

Question

The tree is about 20 years old. It looked very healthy this year but much too big for the very small front garden. Was planted by my late mum – I thought she had it cut back a couple of times but I’m a bit shocked to read that this seems to be the worse thing I could have done. Is there anything I can do to help it survive? (You can probably guess I’m not a gardener!) Many thanks.

Answer 1

The article below does say severely pruning a mature magnolia could cause fatal wounds and only do it if necessary.

The thing to do is read up on the care of the type of magnolia you have and make sure it gets the proper watering and fertilization to keep it healthy and resistant to disease and pests. We probably have an article on the care of the variety you have.

Also be vigilant for diseases and pests so you can head them off early. And you may want to try to propagate it in case the tree succumbs.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/pruning-magnolia-trees.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-diseases.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/propagating-magnolia-trees.htm