Magnolia tree damage

Question

Two large branches tore off my deciduous magnolia tree because of heavy snow/ice. The parts of the branches that are left are jagged. It is still cold in New Jersey. What is the best time to cut off the rest of the branches that are left and should I cut them back to the trunk?

Answer 1

Remove the damaged branches as soon as is safe to do so. A jagged cut is an invitation to disease and bugs. If the limb meets a branch(lateral) at a Y and the branch is at least 1/3 the diameter of the limb, you can trim back to the Y. If there is no such branch, take it back to the main trunk. Please read up on "branch collar". It is imperative that you make the cut properly or the wound may not heal. There are YouTube videos and google images of branch collar cuts.