In a message dated 6/16/2005 4:56:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

Thanks for your offer of help. I have a thirteen year old star
magnolia. I'm in the Seattle area.

The tree grows branches freely. I spend the summer pinching them off.
The branches, however, do not grow in the harder wood areas, which is
unfortunately where I want a couple to be.

I am not familiar with the species "Star Magnolia."
Some species never pop new growth on old wood.
One fairly harmless technique you might try is the slit method. Take a very
sharp knife or better yet a strong razor cutter and make a deep horizontal cut
about 1/4 or less around the trunk just above where you want a branch. The cut
needs to cut through the cambium layer below the bark. This is the layer that
generates growth. The idea is that stopping the flow of sap up the cambium
layer at this point will cause a branch to pop just below. The idea is make a
fine slit that will either cause a branch to pop or heal over without a nasty
scar.
Billy on the Florida Space Coast

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Kevin Bailey++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++