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

[Marc Lewis]

The amount of mature trees next to pavements and walkways, should they all be removed?

[Mark Bolam]

Yes.

We'd all be rich beyond our wildest dreams!

Then we could start on the forests, they are buggers for blocking nice views.

[easy-lift guy]

The amount of mature trees next to pavements and walkways, should they all be removed?

 

No. Regrettably choices that are made for types of trees are usually based on emotion and not common sense. Trees that have deeper root systems with less shallow root systems ideally would be better.

easy-lift guy

[easy-lift guy]

Yes.

We'd all be rich beyond our wildest dreams!

Then we could start on the forests, they are buggers for blocking nice views.

 

All kidding aside the tree in the picture really never should have been planted in such confined area. At least the owner has choices to work with now and decisions to make.

easy-lift guy

[Richard 1234]

How resilient will the first person who trips and falls from a root system that has no where to go except to raise the sidewalk. The tree should have never been planted in such a small area to start. Ignoring the obvious liability by continuing to leave same tree is one more reason why attorneys love to be hired for fast money cases:thumbdown:

 

easy-lift guy

 

 

The first person to trip over slightly raised pavement should be sent to specsavers leave the tree alone just cut back as requested by the council.

[benedmonds]

All kidding aside the tree in the picture really never should have been planted in such confined area.

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..

[tree-fancier123]

I wouldn't unless you were replanting a new fence?

 

yes, sorry my cuts on the photo assume the branch outside of the fence has already been cut. First cut on pavement side of fence.

[Mesterh]

It makes no difference. This will be a section 154 notice ordering the tree owner to cut back the tree to provide adequate clearance over the highway. They will see as a safety issue and if you don't do it they will do it for you then take you to court to recover the costs.

 

If the tree decays and becomes dangerous they could serve you with another notice telling you to fell it. Same process and perfectly legitimate.

 

Unfortunately so, while they happily carry out as little work as possible on their own stock(obviously some LA's do put some effort in) what I was taking about was them saying all over hang which isn't correct unless section 154 says so?

[bluebedouin]

....

 

I have a chainsaw so plan to cut this myself.

 

....

If I owned a chainsaw & it were my tree,I'd probably do something like this,

[maria warwick]

…..maybe a bit higher…… the local cats would love that !!