On Mon, 01 Dec 2003 11:16:10 GMT, Snowsride
wrote:

I have recently purchased a property and the previous owner has planted
two evergreen magnolia trees against the wall of the house. Both trees
are about eight feet tall and growing well but one of them is beginning
to obscure a window. I am also worried about potential root damage to
the foundations of the cottage which is 250 years old - I don't think
the trees should have been planted so close to the house.

Should I remove the trees and if so can I successfully transplant them
and if so when should I do it?

Thanks

Mike Collard

Evergreen magnolias are best grown on a warm wall in this country. In
late summer they have large goblet-shaped flowers, creamy-white with a
waxy texture and a delicious heavy lemony scent. Unfortunately they
don't last long, especially if picked.

The south wall of the north wing of Lanhydrock house in mid Cornwall
(built circa 1600 AFAIK) is thickly clothed by several evergreen
magnolias, going up two stories. While they've not been there as long
as the north wing, they've certainly been there a long time, as the
stems are thick and gnarled, and emerge from the soil hard against the
wall of the house. The house itself seems to have come to no harm as a
consequence. I'd leave your two well alone IIWY.

Train the stems on wires around the windows, and enjoy the scent as it
wafts in on sunny late-summer evenings.


--
Chris

E-mail: christopher[dot]hogg[at]virgin[dot]net