volunteer madrona tree gone wild

by Tim
(Seattle, WA, USA)

I live in Seattle, a few miles inland, and a volunteer madrona popped up on the south side of a big cedar, right on the edge of the drainage culvert on the south side of the property. I think it's about three years old now, and it has grown into the street somewhat. The landlord is inclined to have it removed, but I talked her down from a hasty decision with the understanding that I would try to find out the best way to try to keep such a cool tree without incurring the wrath of city government concerned with tree encroachment upon streets and culverts.

Any advice?
Sorry if the picture is sideways....

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Ron here...

You could try directing its growth by pulling on limbs with a rope and tying it away from where it shouldn't go.