Removing Magnolia tree

billyolly

My son has a Magnolia tree growing up the side of a house he has just moved into. He would like to remove it without paying someone to do it ,any suggestions please?

lardlikesdogs

How big is it ?

lardlikesdogs

Like any tree you start at the top and work your way down , Be careful a branch can be very heavy so only take off small lengths , If its not that big you could take out the root as well just leave 5ft left on the trunk so you can pull on it.

billyolly

goes up to the gutter

lardlikesdogs

Follow above, start at the top and work your way down, Magnolias only have about 3 or 4 main shoots and you can climb them ok or with a ladder.
Unless you have done it before be careful alot of weight can be in a branch, Also watch for windows etc .

billyolly

How do i tackle the roots ,is there anything i can do to kill them?

lardlikesdogs

if you can't remove the stump cut it off at the base and drill holes into it and use a stump killer like http://www.amazon.co.uk/Westland-Resolva-Tough-Stump-Killer/dp/B00C2O9YI6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1434041050&sr=8-4&keywords=stump+killer

I_have_spoken

What's the reason for removal?

Don't forget removing a tree can trigger foundation damage too, due to ground heave as the soil regains moisture.

billyolly

It was climbing up the side of the house nearly covering a bedroom window. We have just cut it back and there is a 3 foot stump.

Ken68

Watch out for drains below. Best option as post 7 Lardlikesdogs., and until it dies off, use it as a feature.

Davesnave

I_have_spoken wrote: »

Don't forget removing a tree can trigger foundation damage too, due to ground heave as the soil regains moisture.

And it was large.....

I don't know how much moisture magnolias absorb, but I'd have consulted someone more knowledgeable before acting.

Not doing so could be false economy, as a tree like that will have taken many years to reach full size, so the ground conditions will almost certainly alter, and rapidly. Staged removal might have been wiser.