Silver Birch Tree

As you can see from the photos, the birch is getting quite big for the size of the garden. I would like help in knowing which bits to take out to prevent it getting any bigger both vertically and in circumference. I have started to take out the lowest â??miniâ?? branches, as this allows mowing to the stem of the tree.
Thanks in anticipation

SelwynTDBM

 

Selwyn if you think it's causing you problems with it's size now a few years down the line you will have real problems it's ok cutting the top to keep it small but you will still get a lot of root growth especially surface roots cut your losses dig it out.

 

Hi Walnut thanks for that.
Can the surface roots be cut back when they do grow, or will that make the tree unsafe?
The ones in the street near us look OK and there doesn't seem to be any pavement heave! Practical or is it a lost cause?
STDBM

 

Hi Selwyn,

Birches generally don't take well to pruning, and if your plan involves constant pruning in order to reduce its size then you're going to cause problems later on. Also, if you start hacking away at the most imprtant roots that a tree has (by which I mean the surface roots) then you've basically killing it over a long period as well as causing stability issues. Take it out and start again, fella. If you're thinking of replanting then pick a more suitable, low-height species... or even a shrub.