evergreen tree
Southern Magnolia: pruning, storm risk and removal
Magnolia grandiflora. Also called Bull Bay, Evergreen Magnolia.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Southern Magnolia at a glance
| Height | 60-80 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 30-40 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 6-10 |
| Lifespan | 80-120 years or more |
| Type | Evergreen |
| Native range | Southeastern United States, from the Carolinas to Florida and west to east Texas. It is also planted widely in warm parts of the West Coast. |
| Roots | Shallow, wide and fleshy. The roots spread well past the canopy and do not like soil being piled on top or dug up nearby. |
| Wood | Moderately hard and fairly light. It is not a favorite for firewood and is usually chipped or hauled away. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe thick evergreen canopy catches a lot of wind. Healthy trees often hold up well, but shallow roots, wet soil and old decayed limbs can lead to uprooting or large limb loss. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a southern magnolia
Best time to prune
Prune lightly in late winter or right after the main spring bloom. Remove dead, crossing or low limbs. Raise the canopy gradually if lawn or traffic needs room.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy cuts and topping. Magnolias heal slowly and large wounds can lead to decay. Do not remove the low skirt of branches unless there is a real need.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Expect year-round leaf drop. The leaves are large and slow to break down, so plan for raking or leaving them under the tree.
- Keep mulch off the trunk and do not add soil over the roots. A thin layer of mulch out to the drip line helps.
- Water deeply during long dry spells, especially in the first few years after planting.
- Keep the tree away from pavement, septic lines and pools. It is a big tree with spreading roots.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on southern magnolia
- 1Plan for heavy foliage volume. Chip trucks fill fast with the large leathery leaves.
- 2Check for decay in old, large limbs before climbing. Old trees can hide hollow sections.
- 3The root plate is shallow, so look for heaving soil and cracks before rigging off the tree.
- 4Old seed cones and fruit can make the ground slick under the tree.
Removal notes
Crews typically deal with a dense, heavy crown and big leathery leaves that make chipping bulky. The wide canopy often means limbing down in sections. Leaf and branch volume is high for the size of the trunk.
Wood
Moderately hard and fairly light. It is not a favorite for firewood and is usually chipped or hauled away.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for southern magnolia
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where southern magnolia grows
Native range: Southeastern United States, from the Carolinas to Florida and west to east Texas. It is also planted widely in warm parts of the West Coast.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Southern Magnolia: common questions
How big does a southern magnolia get?
Typically 60 to 80 feet tall and 30 to 40 feet wide. Some old trees in the South grow larger. Give it plenty of room.
Why does my magnolia drop leaves all year?
Southern magnolia is evergreen but it sheds old leaves through the year, with extra drop in spring and summer. This is normal. A lot of sudden yellowing, though, can mean stress from drought, wet soil or root damage.
When is the best time to prune a southern magnolia?
Late winter or right after the spring bloom is typically best. Keep cuts small and remove only what you need.
Why are the leaves sticky or covered in black soot?
That is often caused by scale insects. They leave sticky honeydew and a black sooty mold grows on it. Ask a local arborist or your county extension office to confirm and suggest a plan.
Can I plant grass under a southern magnolia?
It is hard. The canopy is dense, the roots are shallow and the leaves build up. Mulch or shade-tolerant ground cover usually works better than turf.
Is a southern magnolia a good choice near my house?
Only if the house is far enough away. Plan for the mature size. Roots and branches can reach a house, driveway or pipes if the tree is planted too close.
More trees in the same regions
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