Another “big silver birch” question

Hi,
I have a tall silver birch (i believe) tree in my garden. Its leaning a bit towards neighbour’s so concerned that it may fall over at some point given that these are shallow rooted trees.

I was thinking of cutting the top 10-20 foot, is that sensible thing to do or should i leave it alone?

 

I dont think the lean is that bad really.
Might be a good idea to top it as they do get big.

Not something I would try doing myself, it could cause damage to the fence or the neighbours property when it falls.

 

Looks fine to me. A hard tree to prune because they just dont look right afterwards. Also rot can set in.
Happened to ours but it was huge. Id leave it.

 

One was pruned badly local to me and its dead now.
I tend to think you need to do it at this end of the year as they do bleed if cut nearer the spring.

 

Personally I think your nice tree would look awful if you removed a large amount off it and you risk disease having access through the resulting wounds. I have various Silver Birch perhaps almost twice the size of yours, one being quite close to my house but will just let nature take it’s course. If you are really concerned then I would fell the tree rather than severely lop it, the latter option seldom results in a pleasing outcome.

 

Thank you all for your prompt responses and guidance. Based on the census, i will leave it alone.

it is very windy today and with sunny intervals as well, i can see the seeds flying around and it looks like rain drizzle

 

My neighbour has one leaning my way right next to the fence,ive only a small garden and them seeds are annoying when trying to have a cuppa but one of the lower branches are is hanging over and blocking sun to a garden at back of us,they want me to chop it or ask if they can but now ive read your comments are we best leaving the matter alone? thanksx

 

Thanks @shiney,i dont think itl be too thick the tree doesnt look a big as sheikhs,i just wouldnt want to harm the tree to gain them to dry the washing faster,there isnt a lot on the back hedges here between the houses and the bats need all the hedge growth/trees they can use xx