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

[easy-lift guy]

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?

 

That would depend on code for the local town or city. Sometimes here in Florida entire sections of sidewalk have to be removed and replaced. Many ambulance chasers and risk management departments for the local governments are kept busy year round. It's not just a matter of looking where your going, it's a matter of public safety and insuring or minimizing the risk to peds as much as possible.

easy-lift guy

[Richard 1234]

That would depend on code for the local town or city. Sometimes here in Florida entire sections of sidewalk have to be removed and replaced. Many ambulance chasers and risk management departments for the local governments are kept busy year round. It's not just a matter of looking where your going, it's a matter of public safety and insuring or minimizing the risk to peds as much as possible.

 

easy-lift guy

 

 

I think you are wrong on your last point! It's part of American culture that needs to stay over there if you ask me!!

No offence intended but the ambulance chasers are something we can live without !

[easy-lift guy]

No offense taken, I have seen my share of attorney commercials on TV durning my past visits to the UK. I would be happy to live without ambulance chasers, I try to avoid them where and when ever possible.

easy-lift guy

[benedmonds]

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:

 

Why do trees have to be grown to their maximum size. Every day I go to peoples gardens who say this tree is too big, and we remove it. Where is the problem?

 

Silver birch is the classic example they grow fast but don't respond well to punning. Plant them let them grow for 20-30 years remove them. They need very little maintenance in those early years and provide pleasing all year interest. The alternative would be to try and maintain a trees size by reducing every 5 years which is expensive and the tree ends up butchered. Or just end up planting boring sorbus...

 

I see NOTHING wrong with planting trees with the potential to get huge in your moderately sized garden but planning on removing them after 40 years? If you are really smart and have space you can plan it's replacement and plant a tree 5 years before you plan to remove your original..

 

We have digressed from the OP.

[Taupotreeman]

That would depend on code for the local town or city. Sometimes here in Florida entire sections of sidewalk have to be removed and replaced. Many ambulance chasers and risk management departments for the local governments are kept busy year round. It's not just a matter of looking where your going, it's a matter of public safety and insuring or minimizing the risk to peds as much as possible.

easy-lift guy

 

I noticed both in Brooklyn and DC that in several streets trees have lifted pavements badly in many places. Some cobbles are 6 inches above others. I thought it was great to see them left in situ as we have a tendency around my neck of the woods to carry out some serious root pruning before relaying the concrete footpath.

[Taupotreeman]

QUOTE=benedmonds;1385605]Why do trees have to be grown to their maximum size. Every day I go to peoples gardens who say this tree is too big, and we remove it. Where is the problem?

 

Silver birch is the classic example they grow fast but don't respond well to punning. Plant them let them grow for 20-30 years remove them. They need very little maintenance in those early years and provide pleasing all year interest. The alternative would be to try and maintain a trees size by reducing every 5 years which is expensive and the tree ends up butchered. Or just end up planting boring sorbus...

 

I see NOTHING wrong with planting trees with the potential to get huge in your moderately sized garden but planning on removing them after 40 years? If you are really smart and have space you can plan it's replacement and plant a tree 5 years before you plan to remove your original..

 

 

 

 

I recommend this to many of my customers who live in or near bush sections. rather than continually topping trees to "contain" them i recommend they remove the taller trees and allow the under story to come through. Repeat as necessary once your trees exceed your desired height. It results in a more natural looking surround, reduces maintenance costs and encourages healthy trees.

Edited November 29, 2015 by Taupotreeman