'Topping' a tree

[mrcharly-YHT]

There is a larch, about 3m from the house, with a substantial lean.

I think this is mostly because it was crowded and shaded by a sycamore (which I'm removing).

The top 2.5m of the larch curves dramatically (towards the house), nearly getting horizontal.

I'm very tempted to cut this off, so that the straight, main trunk is left.

Is this likely to have a seriously detrimental effect on the tree's future growth?

TBH, if it stunts the tree a bit, that isn't any great loss. It is about 10m tall already, and that is quite large enough so close to the house.

[rogerzilla]

You can prune larches pretty ruthlessly, but don't do it until winter.

When my tree realised it was n Swindon, it topped itself.  I'm here all week.

[T42]

+1 for winter.  Our willow needs to shrink by about 4 metres but MrsT is defending it until then.

I noticed yesterday that a beautiful redwood visible over the roofs opposite the coffee shop had had a few metres knocked off.

[Regulator]

You need to check whether you need planning permission for any tree work (are there any TPOs, are you in a conservation area?).

You shouldn't undertake any tree work between March and the end of September, unless you have a nesting survey done first.

[mrcharly-YHT]

You can prune larches pretty ruthlessly, but don't do it until winter.

When my tree realised it was n Swindon, it topped itself.  I'm here all week.

If I wait until winter, there will be more detrimental growth (ie in the wrong direction, at the top).

I have no concerns over stunting the growth a bit. A 20m tree only 3m from the house would be a serious issue.