Old Magnolia Tree

[Jaycee47]

My daughter has moved to a house where a very large Magnolia tree is obstructing light from bedroom window. Can it be pruned down by at least 4 feet without damaging it?

[Buenchico]

Quote (from the website of the Royal Horticultural Society):
"Heavy pruning of mature magnolias can induce watershoots (long, vertical, vigorous shoots) and dieback"

Source:
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=599#section2

[DTCwordfan]

They grow up - two here are over 30 feet high and rather splendid with their flowers at the moment....

[Jaycee47]

Many thanks Buenchico. Link very informative and helpful. Guessed it wouldn't be easy.

[Chipchopper]

The sap rises in early spring with Magnolia and for this reason I would hold back on pruning til late summer.
To be honest it's not a tree that responds well to pruning, so it's best kept to a minimum but you can probably get away with losing 4ft off the height if done carefully.

Apart from that care should be taken to avoid any root disturbance.

[mazie]

I have an old one and I really wouldn't do any heavy pruning....A little each year is the best bet. However, if she doesn't mind taking a risk and wants the light back....then, I might be tempted