When can I prune a 'Jane' Magnolia so it grows more tree-like rather than shrub like-
We planted a 'Jane' Magnolia in May. We want to prune it so it looks like a tree rather than a shrub but are not sure when to do it. Should we be doing it now or waiting until it's more established? It's about 3/4 ft tall.
Answer
Dear Tricia: The Magnolia 'Jane" naturally is limbed fairly close to the ground. Since this is the case, you should start now removing the lower limbs and gradually keep removing them as the tree grows. It probably will naturally have low limbs, but will look more tree-like if the lowest limbs are removed.