Submitted 08/04/08 09:16:00 by Caroline Greer from Spartanburg, SC.

Q I have a Butterfly yellow magnolia that was heavily damaged by the late freeze two years ago.Most of the tree is dead but now there is new growth coming from the bottom. If we cut out all the dead wood will the new growth develop into a nice tree? I always enjoy your column and look for it. Thanks. Caroline Greer

Answered 08/08/08 22:10:34 by Nancy Brachey

A: Since the live and dead wood are apparent, you should proceed with removing the dead. I hope the live wood emerged all arouund the trunk so that the new shape will be nice. You may have to do some shaping and trimming over the next few years, but I think this will be worth doing and hope you get a nice new look to this damaged tree. Thanks for not giving up on it.