we have a 20 ft plus, Sweet Bay Magnolia tree in our landscaping next to the house. my question is it possible to trim down, and start over at about 4-6ft. it does have multiple trunks. Not sure it was meant to be a bush or not.
Ya, I didn't mean it to be the complete answer, I just kind of know that there haven't been any tree experts around here (AFAIK). I thought the web search would be a good place to start.
It will start new sprouts at the base when trimmed. It isn't really a bush, it wants to be taller than 4-6 feet. You may need to bite the bullet and move this to a location further from the house that can handle a taller specimen and plant a bush that will have the characteristics you're looking for in its spot.