Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Saturday - January 12, 2013
From: Eatontown, NJ
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Pruning, Trees
Title: Pruning Saucer Magnolia in Eatontown, NJ.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Adult Saucer Magnolia (tulip tree). Branches were getting heavy to where they were ready to break. I pruned them back leaving 1 to 3 inch diameter cuts on many branches. Should I put something on the cuts or cover the cuts so that they don't rot?ANSWER:
There are are 8 Magnolia species listed in our Native Plant Database , but Saucer Magnolia is not among them because it is a Hybrid.
These two links will tell you more about your plant.
about.com
missouribotanicalgarden.org
Painting the cuts on trees with pruning paint used to be highly recommended. Today, the tendency is to leave them unpainted. To learn more about pruning, check out these three links:
purdue.edu
ces.ncsu.edu
washington.umd.edu
More Trees Questions
What is the pH of Bald Cypress needles?
February 24, 2010 - What is the pH of Bald Cypress needles?
view the full question and answer
Small native evergreen tree for Long Island, NY
October 06, 2008 - Hi, I am looking for an evergreen tree to plant on Long Island NY. I plan on planting it in my front yard. At maturity to about 10-15ft about 5 ft wide. Not sure about soil, the area gets good AM sun ...
view the full question and answer
Privacy screening from Prosperity SC
May 19, 2013 - I need to know what would be a good tree to plant for blocking my neighbor's home it needs to be an evergreen and slender in the space it would take.
view the full question and answer
Does Acacia farnesiana (Huisache) have agressive roots?
November 30, 2014 - Hello,
Do you know if the Huisache tree has an aggressive root system?
I have a few in proximity to my septic draining field and I need to know if I should cut them down to prevent clogging of t...
view the full question and answer
Puppy-friendly privacy screen in Montana
November 02, 2012 - I need some puppy-friendly short(< 30') privacy from the gigantic windows of my next door neighbor. But- there are power lines above the area that I needed to plant! I had planned on an aspen grove, ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |