Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Wednesday - January 27, 2010
From: Crockett, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Pruning, Trees
Title: Should I top my scraggly magnolia tree? No
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Mr.Smarty Plants, I live in Crockett,Tx. My husband and I just bought this house. In the front yard I have a very tall,scraggly magnolia tree due to trees growing up around it. We have cut some of those trees down and I want to know if I should top the tree by 15+ft? I would rather have a shorter,fuller tree. Would that be ok and when is the best time to do it? She just looks so pitiful..ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants thinks the answers to your questions are NO and NEVER*.
Here are three websites that supply more details to corroborate these answers.
Trees Are Good by the International Society of Arboriculture
I suggest that you consult a certified arborist to help you with this problem. The "Trees are Good" website can provide you with information for locating and selecting an arborist in you area.
* trimming to clear utility lines could be an exception
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