Question
When is the best time to prune magnolia's?  I didn't know that te buses grown into trees until I was reading this website.  However, we don't want them to get very high.  I don't know exactly what kind they are, but in the spring they have a pretty white flower and later they get a red berry on them.
thanks in advance
Betty

Answer
Hello Betty,

It sounds as though you have an American native magnolia, which produces quite beautiful red berries in the fall. Since magnolias bloom in the spring, the best time to prune them is after they bloom, in the spring or summer. Very much like lilacs. Summer is just about over. And if you prune them in the spring next year they will not bloom, which seems a shame.

If they are not too large, in might be best to wait until after they bloom next year before you take pruning shears to them. Then you will not lose your flowers, but you can still control their growth.  Do bear in mind that the berries are where the flowers were, so you will have fewer berries.

But, a warning! A pruned shrub often increases the rate of speed at which it grows! Do not be surprised if your pruning stimulates future growth.

Does this make sense?   If not, please feel free at ask more questions.

Regards,

Donna