Cutting back magnolias

Hi Gavin, well as it is an older established tree this would be the time to do it, but to be honest I would get a tree surgeon in to do a reduction on it for me.. It will take a couple of years before it really gets growing again as well.. They are slower to get going again with age so I would get a professional in to trim it..
I am sure there are some tree surgeons in the phone book near you who will come & give you an estimate.. They nearly all give free estimates, get a couple & go with the one you feel is best..
If the tree is as big & tall as you say, then ropes & harness will be required for safety.. We have e resident Tree Surgeon on here "Harmony Arb'.." I am sure he will be along at some point & will be able to advise you better.....:wink::gnthb:

By the way I am also going to move this thread into our Tree Forum to be sure Harmony sees it.. :gnthb:

 

Hi Gavin,
Sadly I think your concern is justified.. Older Magnolias are not happy about being pruned...
I seriously would get a couple of free estimates from a couple of respected local tree surgeons.....

If you seriously want to keep the tree you need to have it pruned properly due to it's size & presumably age as well as they seriously do not take kindly to pruning the older you get...

Contact a couple of tree surgeons locally & se what they say... It might not be so costly..... :wink: It isn't thought of you up the ladder so much my friend as knowing what you are doing.. Let us know what the tree surgeon says mate before you do anything... You don'y have to accept...t