Southern Magnolia

meepnotoes

Hello!

   With our new marriage and house, my husband and I also "purchased" a Southern Magnolia tree.  The first owner of the house planted the tree many decades ago on the front lawn.  Now the tree is simply huge with a width of 30 feet and a height over 65. 

  Landscaping companies (and neighbors) have told us to remove the tree.  It completely blocks the house from the street but does keep the hot summer sun off the house. 

  I dislike removing the tree of its age and beauty, but also see the value in curb appeal.  The sunlight coming in the front of the house in winter would be nice as well. 

  Has anyone else ever dealt with one of these trees or a situation like it? Thanks!

elviebird

We removed one from our front yard this past summer.  It was growing crooked because of a tulip poplar that had sprouted next to it.  You couldn't see the front of our house at all from the street, and the tree itself just didn't look so great, not even when it flowered.  After we cut it out our front yard looks so much more open.  I'm slowly turning that area into a flower bed.  We left the poplar for a little shade.

TarHeels&Rebels

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Yes, I've had trees removed.  Replace it with something more suitable elsewhere on your property.

meepnotoes

Thank you for the advice!  We have a maple beside it that we're leaving.  I think the big decision has been made and it's time for the tree to go!  I like the idea of making the space into a flower bed. 

However, we are going to make it a fun event for the neighbors and friends by having a get together to celebrate the life of the tree.  On to researching for types of grass to plant in its place!

FoxinFiji

I agree you have to do what you have to do.  We've cut down a number of trees on our property but parting with the huge black walnut (+50 years) was hard.  We had all of the trees cut into lumber and we plan to use the wood to make some furniture for the house so they aren't going to waste.  It will be so neat to explain to guests that the entry bench was made with the old black walnut that was here before our house was!  Here's some posts I wrote about the process:

Cutting the trees down

Logs to Lumber

DIY Savings

HTH!

meepnotoes

Thank you!  We love the idea of turning the wood into something useful.  It's such a lovely (but in the way!) old tree that simply wood chipping it seems like a shame. 

 Now, how do you go about finding someone who can turn a chunk of wood into something else? 

 I tried searching for artisans and wood workers but came up with very little.