River Birch help please

[Buzzard Bluff]

Happy New Year all....
We have a problem river birch that needs one of her two trunks removed. If you look closely at the photo, she's already bumped our patio roof in the wind. Between that and an upcoming solar installation, we have no choice. We'd really like to keep the trunk on the left both for aesthetics and the shade it provides in summer. I realize that it might traumatize the tree, but we have nothing to lose by trying.
I'd really like your suggestions regarding the method and when would be the best time to make the attempt.
Many, many thanks

 

[Raintree]

River birch installed in the foundation plantings is a mistake. It is best to remove both leaders and plant an appropriate ornamental tree.

 

[Bubster]

River Birch is a lot like Willow and will send roots for 300 miles. But if you do decide to just trim it up, any month with an "R" is a good time to prune or trim.

 

[singinwoodwackr]

Way too close to the house for any tree. The longer you wait to remove it the higher the cost.

 

[Buzzard Bluff]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Much appreciated.