 Re: Magnolia
Tip reduction or subordination pruning means to reduce the length of the branch back to an interior fork or crotch. Do not simply stub the branch off - cut it back so that there are still leaves attached to what is left.
Do not cut it back so far as to leave only small twigs to support a large branch - general rule of thumb is the sprout left behind should be at least 1/3 the diameter of the stem its attached to. Personally, I think it should be at least 1/2 the diameter of the parent stem.
The tree should start blooming in May - blooming may last as long as 4 to 6 weeks. Lack of blooms will be attributable to low light.
This a swamp tree and likes a lot of water. It appears to have been receiving a fair amount of water as the leaves are nice and large. A drought stressed magnolia will have smaller leaves.
Thrips - tiny bugs seen on the flowers - will cause the creamy white petals to brown prematurely.
Magnolia scale can often be found on both the top and the underside of the leaves.
A horticultural oil spray mixed with a little NeemŽ oil and insecticidal soap will usually take care of both problems without harming you, your dogs, or the environment. |