Can i cut this without killing it?

[Magnolia]

Hi All,

First post to this forum, so hello all, im the owner of a very nice Magnolia tree, that my local council has said that I must cut back a particular branch that is overhanging the pavement.

 

We have already cut back the tree significantly (a tree surgeon did it), as we thought this is what the council wanted, but it turned out it was one specific branch. Rather annoying.

 

I have two questions, if I cut the large trunk that is overhanging the pavement, is it possible to do with without killing the tree? I need to cut the branch as much that it no longer enters the air space of the pavement.

 

From researching online about where to cut branches, I have learnt that you need to cut close enough to the trunk that the tree will heal around the scar. I just cant see how its possible to do this in this case, as the branch is actually 45% of the trunk coming out of the ground?!

 

I have a chainsaw so plan to cut this myself. Could anyone advise where to cut, if it is possible to do so without killing it?

 

John

 

Edited November 27, 2015 by Magnolia

[timbernut]

People often talk about "giving the trade a bad name" IMO professionals constantly telling punters that a tree should come out when it quite clearly doesn't, causes more disenchantment that a few bad reductions.

 

 

I agree Mick (and not just because I've cut a few hat stands and I'm not ashamed😀) is much rather see a tree retained in some form than total removal.

As far as the OPs tree goes surely the removal of the offending stem will slow the growth of the root system at least for a while?

[Woodcrafter]

Yes I also agree with Mick.

Also most uk trees are shallow rooted. I'd remove the stem and carve an up yours finger into it for a laugh. Tree would prob ended up with an asbo.

[easy-lift guy]

Why? It has not caused any damage, it looks healthy, the owner likes it. I see NO problem planting trees that have the potential to outgrow a space. When it get's to big remove it. The advice to only plant trees that won't get to big restricts you to planting a very restricted range. Young trees generally don't need a lot of maintenance. Grow them till they get to big then remove it. Then plant another..

 

Must be a UK mind set:confused1:. I guess only a hand full of members may agree with a pro active approach from a mature state of growth with any tree much less a maple. I believe you may be the first person that I have ever heard of in my life that has no problem planting a tree that would have the potential to out grow its space:confused1: Just out of curiosity based on your own judgement on tree size, how much larger should the tree in the OP's picture be before it's to big?. From the picture it looks like the trunk maybe can grow another 2 or 3" in any direction before it reaches the sidewalk?

easy-lift guy

Edited November 28, 2015 by easy-lift guy

[Mick Dempsey]

You know this is a magnolia not a maple don't you?

[easy-lift guy]

You know this is a magnolia not a maple don't you?

 

My error, I meant magnolia and the species of tree would not matter.

easy-lift guy

[Mick Dempsey]

Yes it does Ted, some trees/shrubs can be regularly hammered and still comeback within a season and put on enough growth to provide an aesthetically pleasing (at least to the owner) "amenity tree"

[easy-lift guy]

You know this is a magnolia not a maple don't you?

 

My error, I meant magnolia and the species of tree would not matter.

easy-lift guy

[easy-lift guy]

Yes it does Ted, some trees/shrubs can be regularly hammered and still comeback within a season and put on enough growth to provide an aesthetically pleasing (at least to the owner) "amenity tree"

 

Actually I have never hammered a tree, and with all due respect could and never would plant any tree that close to anything. From a professional landscaping standpoint just not proper landscape planning or execution. Amenity Tree, not withstanding.

easy-lift guy

[Richard 1234]

I went to London last month and I lost count of how many trees that line the roads have caused cracked/ lifted pavement.

 

No problem if you look where you are going. On that basis should all these tree be taken down and replaced with ones that only grow to a certain height?

[agg221]

My error, I meant magnolia and the species of tree would not matter.

easy-lift guy

 

It would matter to me - although we don't know which magnolia, very few of them get much over 20' in height and the increase in girth can be very slow. That tree could have another 30yrs in its current location, which may mean the owner can continue to enjoy it for as long as they live in the house and the new owner may well not value it and choose to remove it. Everybody happy

 

By contrast, many of the maples (excluding the Japanese species) can get extremely large. I would far rather have magnolia in that location than a Norway maple.

 

Alec