Effect of Root Pruning Prior to Transplanting on Establishment of Southern Magnolia in the Landscape

Abstract

Roots of field-grown southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) were pruned once during dormancy, following the first shoot growth flush or after the second growth flush, prior to transplanting in the winter. During the first year after transplanting, root pruned trees grew at a slightly faster rate than unpruned trees but growth rates were similar for root pruned and unpruned trees the second and third year after transplanting. There was nodifference in post-transplantgrowth among root pruning treatments. Trees required, at most, 1 year per inch of trunk caliper to become established in the landscape.