Question
I have two healthy bushes that are getting to large for the area they are in. What is the proper time and method to trim these bushes back.

Answer
John,

Magnolias can be pruned back anytime after they finish flowering.

As for the method, I would recommend pruning back selectively at first. If you still need to reduce it more, you can do so easily. If you prune in stages you reduce the likelihood of taking too much off at once.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen