Do I need a tree surgeon to cut back a weeping birch?

[cupcakes]

I think it's a weeping birch anyway .
When we first moved here it was in the centre of the lawn but now takes up so much space that there's only a thin curtain of grass round the edge and it hangs over half the washing line. Are we ok to attempt to cut it back ourselves (with telescopic lopers) or do we need a specialist? If we did do it ourselves when is the best time of year?
tia

DH (ex tree surgeon) says get a specialist in unless you know what you're doing otherwise it may well end up looking like a dogs dinner !
Also now is not a good time to prune birch apparantly !!

thanks! It was what I suspected really. Did he say when a good time of year was? And can he guesstimate how much that would cost? (I have no idea at all).

DH says autumn or winter is best time for pruning (ie when tree is not growing as much).
As far as cost - depends on size of tree, ease of access to it, whether you want debris taking away & whether its big enough for a tree surgeon to come out to it. As a minimum he reckons (very rough estimate) a reputable person wouldn't come out for less than £120-150

Does that help at all !?

We had our silver birch pruned at the very end of winter - just within the permitted time, apparently. They were up it with ropes and harnesses - did a very good job IMO - but it cost about £400. If yours isn't that tall, they might not need the harnesses palaver. If you're in SW London/Surrey, I can recommend ours.

And also make sure that any trees you want to prune / chop haven't got a Tree Preservation Order on them !

Thanks! I'll put it off till the autumn then and find some local surgeons in the meantime.