Question
I have a magnolia tree at the end of my garden. Pevious house owner has trimmed it and the first branches do not start until about 5ft. The tree is at the height i want it now. My question is when and how is the best time to prune it and by how much. Also when it is windy it moves about a lot it that because the roots are not deep, how can i make it steadier? Please help as my husband want to cut it down as he feels it may come down in the wind and cause damage, its a beautiful tree, gives me screening from my nosey neighbour!

Answer
Gill,

I would contact a certified arborist about the pruning.  It sounds like it is too big for you to do.  

As far as making it steadier there is not much to do.  Almost all trees have a majority of their roots in only the top 14" of the soil.  Trees move in the wind so they do not uproot.  If you remove it you can then go and look at other more appropriate sceening materials.

Good luck

Gary