Should I trim my magnolia?

I have a large, mature tree in my backyard with some branches hanging so low they interfere with my work when mowing, etc. and attract spiders and insects. The tree is also dropping large quantities of dead leaves from high up where I cannot get to them. I do not want to hurt the tree (which is full of bird nests), but I need to raise the level of the lowest branches so I can get under it. Should I remove the low branches? When should I do it?
I do not know the variety of Magnolia but it has very large leaves and sparse flowers that are close to 12 inches across. The soil here is pan clay and rocky. Can you suggest a fertilizer?

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1 Comment To "Should I trim my magnolia?"

#1 Comment By Downtoearthdigs On 06/03/2015 @ 3:18 am

Mature Magnolias do not recover from pruning and can sustain fatal wounds.
Fertilizing should be done in spring with a slow release fertilizer.

Here is a link with more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/pruning-magnolia-trees.htm ^[1]

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/magnolia/magnolia-tree-care.htm ^[2]

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