Advice sought for southern magnolia

[Cajunrider]

I recently rescued a southern magnolia. It was grown next to a house so one side was severely pruned. The tree is now very uneven. I am also experiencing some die back at the top.

If I chop the trunk will magnolia back bud? I am thinking about redeveloping the canopy if I can.

 

[rockm]

I recently rescued a southern magnolia. It was grown next to a house so one side was severely pruned. The tree is now very uneven. I am also experiencing some die back at the top.

If I chop the trunk will magnolia back bud? I am thinking about redeveloping the canopy if I can.

Since southern magnolia (magnolia grandiflora) makes pretty crummy bonsai--leaves are HUGE as are the blooms, you're probably on your own with how to work on it. If there are specimens of Grandiflora out there, I've never seen one...

It should backbud. The Asian varieties of magnolia that are used for bonsai backbud pretty well...

 

[Cajunrider]

Since southern magnolia (magnolia grandiflora) makes pretty crummy bonsai--leaves are HUGE as are the blooms, you're probably on your own with how to work on it. If there are specimens of Grandiflora out there, I've never seen one...

It should backbud. The Asian varieties of magnolia that are used for bonsai backbud pretty well...

I am sorry I wasn't clear about my intention. I am not doing this as a bonsai. It is a huge 20 ft tall one that I rescued and planted in my yard. Normally I wouldn't ask the question here but this one requires knowledge from bonsai people who know how to rebuild the trunk and shape the canopy.

 

[rockm]

Some things that come up:

"Prune a Southern Magnolia only when necessary, since they can bleed from pruning wounds. Magnolias can be slow to heal and not make new growth until the second season after pruning, so avoid large cuts into old wood if possible. When pruning your Southern Magnolia, remove the entire twig or limb down to its base."

How To Plant, Prune & Fertilize A Southern Magnolia Tree - Wilson Bros Gardens

 

[Cajunrider]

The tree could not sustain the high top with so much damaged roots. I chopped it low and cover the cut with plastic bag. After looking totally dead for 3 months, the tree budded this past week. Next is rebuilding the canopy.

 

[Cajunrider]

I am going to do the same thing I do with a chopped trunk bonsai.
Niwaki

 

[Cajunrider]

Looking good

 

[Cajunrider]

Well on the way. I think I can turn this into a gorgeous tree in short order.

 

[fmfdelta]

It has been almost two years, an update must be interesting on this one!

 

[Cajunrider]

It has been almost two years, an update must be interesting on this one!

It lived but remained ugly. I finally gave up last month. Took me a good two hours to dig it up, level the ground and put down the grass seeds.

 

[fmfdelta]

Sorry to hear!
Thanks for the update I ended up on this thread as I have a small potted magnolia (unclear which specie, but not Stellata) that I want to make into a bonsai, but I am uncertain when to hard prune it.

I'll open another thread about that