Cutting down a tree?

[kirinm]

Firstly, forgive my total ignorance about trees and gardening generally.

We just moved into a place with a huge garden full of trees. We will probably end up removing one or two in time just because the garden really isn't useable as the garden is so full. It is my understanding that nobody has paid any attention to the garden in the last 15-20 years.

Once we get around to sorting out the garden we will ask for expert opinion but that's a long way off.

What I want to know is if there's any way of cutting the top part of a tree off? It's currently being supported by a washing line attached to the building and is leaning. It also blocks the sun out (as do all the other trees). It is one of three - I want to call them palm trees but I'm not sure if that is what they are. How would we go about cutting the top part of it off? It's probably about 10ft tall.

Is it something we might be able to do ourselves or do you think we'd need a tree surgeon? Pic below.

[JT05]

Can you detach the washing line from the building, but not the tree? If so use the line to guide the top part of the tree. It looks like you could cut the trunk, as long as you have somewhere clear for it to fall. I'd cut it as near to the top as possible with someone standing well clear, but pulling on the line. I think if you cut a notch on the opposite side from the main cut, then it falls in that direction. Then you could reduce the trunk.
Trees are always bigger on the ground than in the air! Also wear some protection, hard hat, goggles and gloves.

[JT05]

Meant to say, if I was you I'd use a tree surgeon, it's always quicker and safer!

[pombearcat]

Just check there's no protection orders first ..the tree officer at the council should be able to tell you (although I doubt there would be on that type of tree) personally I wouldn't fell it myself if its got a twisted growth or damage it affects how they fall ...

[NanTheWiser]

It looks like a very large Yucca, which shouldn't be a problem to cut down, but if that is what it is, take care when felling it, as the leaves are very sharp!

[kirinm]

Thanks all. It looks like a yucca to me too. It's stupidly tall and I've just realised it's also tied to the hand rail of our balcony steps and it's making that lean too.

I think we might ask a tree surgeon to have a look. I could do without the tree falling into the neighbours Windows.

Thanks for the advice.

[shovetheholly]

No advice to add, just wanted to say how magnificent those deciduous trees in the background look. And your garden looks huge!

I'd be looking to chop that thing down too. But I really dislike tall yuccas/cordylines. Probably not their fault, they're just often used in really naff ways. I hate, hate, hate the kind of planting that surrounds a cordyline with begonias/busy lizzies. It makes me want to go beserk with roundup .

[kirinm]

It is a huge garden and quite intimidating as its our first that we are responsible for! There's a mulberry tree, apple tree and fig tree. The next door neighbour has a plum tree and pear trees. We are zone 2 in a really urban part of London so the size of the gardens and the variety of fruit being grown has really surprised us.

[shovetheholly]

Oh wow, it sounds absolutely perfect. In zone 2 as well -you lucky thing!

The urban heat effect should mean that you can grow some truly amazing fruits. I think you can even get away with some half-hardy stuff on warm walls in London now.

[Ferguson]

If it IS cut down, I guess it might sprout again from the bottom (but should be easier to control then.)