how and when to prune a jane magnolia tree?

Question

I bought my mother in law a jane magnolia tree last year, so it has been planted a year and has lived through winter and is in bloom right now. She doesn't want it to be a full tree so she wants to prune it so it will go up a lil like a tree and then kinda spread like a bush outward. When and how do you prune this JANE magnolia tree to make it like that and not just big like a regular tree??? It has two trunks i guess you would say that come up from the bottom.

that is a good website but it does not tell when to prune for this paticular tree

Answer 1

You should find out all you need to know on these links

The National Arbor Day Foundation
http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeList.cfm?SearchText=jane%2C+magnolia&submit=Find+Trees
Magnolia, Jane
Magnolia x 'Jane'
http://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?id=259
A member of the "Little Girl" group of hybrid magnolias developed in the mid-fifties at the U.S. National Arboretum. Hardy shrub or small tree. Impressive reddish purple flowers outside, white inside opening late in spring to avoid frost damage. Flowers are a gorgeous tulip-shape with a lightly scented fragrance. Leaves are dark green and somewhat leathery in appearance. Great choice for any accent, specimen, or border use. Grows 10'-15' high. Grows best in full morning sun and partially shaded afternoons. Prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soils.

Answer 2

Prune after blooming is a good rule of thumb. Usually pruning out the top leading trunk will force the energy into the other branches. It would be best to go to the library for information on magnolias and pruning. Or try the book store to gather info. If there is an extension agency in your area the head person there should know quite a bit or be able to get you the infomation. Try a quality nursery for help, too.
Since there are two trunks you may want to investigate as much as possible to avoid problems with splitting the tree down the middle. If kept small, like a large bonsai, then it should not be a problem. But the more you know the better the results. One last suggestion. Only prune a little the first time so you can see the results as the year progresses. To maintain the size you will be pruning most years anyway.
H

Answer 3

Pruning Magnolia

Answer 4

Jane Magnolia Tree

Answer 5

What type of Magnolia are we talking about? It never hurts to prune a tree, mainly because it reduces liability and damage to other surrounding hardscape or property. However you have to do it in the right way, and when the tree can handle it. If you say it's good sized, maybe remove some branches which look like they are dying off, broken or out-competed by other branches. When pruning is done right, you will not harm the tree. If anything, you benefit it! You allow it concentrate growth other areas which may need them. Consult the ISA (International Society of Arborists) pruning standards and guidelines to give you some help, or hire a licensed arborist or urban forester. Not a landscaper or horticulturalist unless they are licensed (they tend to prune to make the tree look pretty).

Answer 6

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
how and when to prune a jane magnolia tree?
I bought my mother in law a jane magnolia tree last year, so it has been planted a year and has lived through winter and is in bloom right now. She doesn't want it to be a full tree so she wants to prune it so it will go up a lil like a tree and then kinda spread like a bush outward. When and...

Answer 7

www.gardens.co.nz/Articles.cfm?NLID=136

I just entered pruning magnolia trees into a google search bar & found several to pick from. This looks like what you want.