Yamadori Crepe Myrtle

I have a bout a 4-5 inch diameter trunk Crepe Myrtle that is available right now if I remove it. I know that it is not the time of year but it is my neighbor and she wants it gone. I'm going to try and root some hardwood cuttings as well as try and save and use the stump. I'm in Southern California and it's hot this time of year. Any advice on keeping it alive would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Tona

Hope springs eternal . . . I suppose.

At any rate, if it has to go now -- two months from now would be a LOT better -- dig a hole in your garden before you go over to dig and get it. Have a hose ready to fill that hole with water as soon as the tree and its LARGE rootball arrive. Fill hole with water, plop rootball in it, then get your arms muddy to the elbows working mud in between ALL of the roots that poke out from the rootball. Fill the hole in. Water some more. Wait. Water some more, then if you are the praying type . . .

On your side in all this is that these are very forgiving plants.

Thanks Jim,
I know its a gamble but when opportunity knocks!!!
Tona