Magnolia end die-back - prune or not

borgadr

I have a young Magnolia x soulangeana, I don't know how old (I was given it as a gift little over a year ago, the main stem is about 1cm in diameter). It's been in a large pot last year and I planted it out this autumn.

I noticed after the leaves dropped that almost all the stems have die-back at the tips, like the photo attached. I don't know the cause - maybe it was the late frosts last April and I didn't notice until it lost its leaves.  It seemed healthy enough through the growing season.

Should I snip the dead tips off, or just leave it? And if so should I do it now or wait until late spring after the last frosts?

Uff

I don't know anything about your particular magnolia bordagr but I have M. Grandiflora. Not sure how old it is but would guess at 6 or 7 years old. Sometimes it has die back the same as yours (see pics) so I cut back the dying wood and it always grows back. This isn't a full answer to your question but just to say that hopefully, yours will grow back at a leaf bud if you prune it back. 

borgadr

Thanks @Uff . Do you do this in winter while there is still risk of frost or do you wait until May?

Uff

Those pics I took today so I'll cut them off at any time soon. It's dead wood so won't hurt anything. 

Fairygirl

I'd agree - just don't cut back beyond the dead areas 

Uff

I've just noticed in the photo borgadr, is the stem of the tree rubbing against the cane?

borgadr

Yes, it is, good spot.  It might be time to remove the canes anyway; I planted the tree in a well protected corner of the garden quite sheltered from winds.