I have this star magnolia that looks like a big green ball it is so dense that you can't see the ground under it and I want to see that there is a structure to it . Is it a lost cause? last year I cut the lower branches off so that it would have more of a tree shape and it looked great but a year later it is back to a big green ball any suggestions ?
laura
a wider shot
but a year later it is back to a big green ball
I often wonder if I should let the suckers at the base develop and let it become a multi trunk shrub too.. I guess because it is in an important spot in the garden I want it to behave!
laura
This is a Magnolia x loebneri 'Dr. Merill' at 15 yrs. being slowly pruned to raise the canopy and allow visibility of some rhododendrons planted behind it. I'm not finished. I plan on removing three more lower limbs over the next six years (one every other year). This year was a pruning year. It would much rather be a shrub. The end result might not be what you expect. Take a look at the next shot. While I'm mostly happy with it I understand the advice to let it be what it is intended to be.
I cannot offer too much advice in the magnolia. Most of the ones that I have seen are tree shaped so it seem like it would be possible. Are the lower limbs branches from the "trunk" or do they come from the ground? Do you know the cultivar?
I mostly wanted to chime in to say that I liked your garden bed and I was curious about what the burgundy plants on the right of the second picture were.
- Brent
I think you can see what the plan is here - and the effect of pruning a shrub into a tree. Sorry, Resin, if this makes you wince. I know basically you're right. I not encouraging this, just showing the possible results.
Snapple , I know it would rather be a shrub : ( I had it planted in my back yard where it could have been happy but the squirles ate all the flower buds so I moved it in desperation and probably didn't think beyond saving it and now it is to big to move and I do love it especially in the spring! I beleive it is stellata (sp)
Brent , thanks ! the larger plant in back is a chocolate eupatorium (sp) aka joe pye weed it has white flowers in the late summer . The one in front is a dahlia Fasination
laura
here is the after I just had to do it I knoe it will probably just go crazy next year but for now ......
laura
and another shot
and the last one
I like it! This is a decent link with pruning details. Watch how it responds. If the tree tries to put out a lot of new growth to compensate then too much was taken off at once. If not, then you're OK. Try to do any future pruning in the spring just after flowering.
http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/B949-W.HTMl#Time
hanks snapple, I knew I should have pruned it RIGHT after it flowered I have been wresling with the decision ever since! I am pleased with the results and I guess I wil just factor its pruning into my " spring routine" lol
laura
Looks nice, but . . . . . Alert, Alert !!
(Don't worry, everything should be fine.) You have now change the microclimate that the magnolia's surface roots directly under the tree have enjoyed all this time - cool and shade, and moist ---- to hot, sunnier and dry. And now cultivated, too. Perhaps you could apply a layer of mulch under there in addition to help alleviate the change during this time of transition.
It really does otherwise look nice. Good job. I think you've probably done enough pruning for this season though. Eventually, if it were me, I'd take out the funny branch at the bottom too. But you were right to leave it there, at least for now.
I know that branch was just askin for it but I held my self back ! I weeded and popped some impateints under the magnolia but I really didn't cultivate it much there are surface roots that I didn't want to disturb . I also added some mulch/compost to the surface I watched the sun today and although there is way more light there is not much direct sun so it shouldn't bake .
I like the way it looks but my cat lillian isn't to happy it was a favorite spot for bird bath patrol, one point for the birds!
laura
Imatiens, excellent. You'll need to water a lot to keep them going, and that will be good for the roots too.
I'm sure Lilian will adapt, LOL.
