magnolia tree root care

Hello, can anybody offer me some advice please? Am in the process of extending our driveway however some of the roots to our magnolia
tree are in the way. Is it possible to safely remove some of the roots and if
so, do we need to protect the severed root in any way from infection? I've also
read differing advice on whether to prune magnolia trees - any advice would be
gratefully receieved. Thankyou.

 

You should be OK to remove some of the roots, as long as it isn't too many. The plant may slow down for a year or two, but should recover.
This does depend, however, on the age and size of the tree, and the relative amount of root removed.
I wouldn't bother protecting the severed ends, they will heal on their own.
Magnolias can be successfully pruned in June, they regrow readily, they don't need regular pruning though. If you hard prune you might loose next years flowers.
Hope this helps,
Lav.

 

Make sure you cut the roots cleanly with loppers or a pruning saw, dont be tempted to just rip them up with the digger.

If certain branches are unnbalanced or in the way eg mowing telephone wires etc then cut these branches off cleanly. I certainly dont recomend the 'hedge cutter over all trim type of prune' all this sort of pruning does is prevent flowering.

Carefull root pruning may actualy be the best way to reduce vigour.

 

Thanks Lavender. I have a 'Yellow River' which is coming along nicely and yesterday bought a new white magnolia stellata. My garden is only middle size and after reading another thread I thought I couldn't prune. I think I'll choose to believe you.

 

Oh. And you too Pro Gard. :D

 

Thankyou so much for your replies. I feel more confident about 'trimming' some of the roots in the knowledge that I won't kill the tree!