1. Determine the best time to prune: The ideal time to prune a magnolia tree is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

2. Gather necessary tools: To prune a magnolia tree, you’ll need a pair of bypass pruners, loppers, and a pruning saw.

3. Identify dead, diseased, or damaged branches: Inspect the magnolia tree for any branches that look dead, diseased, or damaged. These should be the first to remove.

4. Make clean cuts: When cutting branches, always make clean cuts at a slight angle about a quarter-inch above the branch collar.

5. Remove dead, diseased, and damaged branches: Use bypass pruners or loppers to remove smaller branches and the pruning saw for larger branches.

6. Trim suckers and water sprouts: Remove any suckers growing at the base of the tree and water sprouts on the trunk or branches.

7. Maintain the tree’s shape and size: Look for long, unruly branches that stray from the overall shape of the magnolia tree and trim them back.

8. Remove crossing branches: Identify any branches that are crossing over each other or rubbing against one another, and remove one of them to prevent damage.

9. Thin out crowded areas of the tree canopy: If portions of your magnolia’s canopy are overly dense with foliage or branches, thin it out to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration.

10. Assess your work periodically: Take a step back and assess your progress throughout the pruning process to ensure you aren’t over-pruning or making uneven cuts.

11. Avoid removing large limbs if possible: Removing large limbs from a magnolia tree can put unnecessary stress on it; only do so if absolutely necessary for health or safety reasons.

12. Clean up debris: After you’re done pruning, clean up any fallen branches and leaves to prevent the spread of disease.

13. Disinfect tools between use: To prevent the spread of any diseases, disinfect pruning tools between uses by wiping them with rubbing alcohol or a solution of bleach and water.

14. Monitor your tree’s health: Keep an eye on the health and growth of your magnolia throughout the year, looking for signs of disease or other issues that may require additional pruning.

By following these 14 steps, you’ll be able to expertly prune your magnolia tree, helping it grow healthy, strong, and beautiful over time.