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When to prune magnolia

Within about 4 weeks after flowers fade. Prune lightly after bloom; magnolias heal slowly from large cuts.

Typetree
Blooms onold wood
Bloom seasonspring (Southern magnolia: summer)
When to pruneWithin about 4 weeks after flowers fade
StopNo heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost
Creamy white Little Gem magnolia flower with glossy leaves
Photo: Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Avoid

Large cuts.

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Sources

Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.

All pruning timing