would you cut down this tree?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

I love trees and hate to get rid of one, but this tree blocks the front of my house, and does not allow grass to grow.

The next door neighbor is upset with me, saying it takes away from his privacy and would change the look of the street.

While I understand his concern, I would like to have a nice lawn and view of my home.

Trimming it would help, but would still block the house and not allow the grass to grow to its fullest. The roots are also very close to the house.

Remove tree

Trim tree

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

4 years ago

"It’s not safe to have a big tree near a house to start with."

"it should go because of the roots issue"

Both of these are statements that really have no basis in reality :-) If healthy and in good condition, a large tree near a structure poses no more of a problem than does one planted further away. But it does come with some degree of ongoing maintenance to make sure the tree stays healthy and in good condition and with no conflict with the structure.

Same with the roots. Folks attribute all sorts of horror stories with tree roots but the fact is that ALL trees produce a wide, spreading root system and with few exceptions, they do minimal damage. The development of surface roots, which some species are prone to, seem to be the most problematic, as they interfere with lawn mowing (even lawn establishment) and tend to lift or crack paving and concrete. Tree roots and foundation problems are completely overstated unless you have a foundation that is already cracked or structurally compromised.

It is also a very well established premise that growing a good sized tree adds far more benefit to the environment than does having and maintaining a lawn. A lawn is in an environmental drain.....a tree is an environmental plus!

I would encourage keeping the tree but having the canopy lifted and thinned by a certified arborist.....not just some tree guy :-) And underplant with a shade and drought tolerant groundcover.

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Comments (21)

branson4020
4 years ago
Start with having a arborist give it a look.
Lorrie H
4 years ago
I love trees too but I think it to big and to close to the house. Has to go. :(
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Aurora Tee (Zone 6a)
4 years ago
My vote is yes. It is indeed sad, but it is too close to the house.
Robbin Capers
4 years ago
Too much tree in too little space. We love trees too, but cut down several cottonwoods on our lot (and a bunch of alder) because they're just not good quality trees. We've already started planting better trees in their place. If your neighbor wants a tree taking up their entire front yard they're certainly free to plant one. You're really not obligated to their preferences.
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Yardvaark
4 years ago
Cannot vote based on one angle of view.

Amazing that you didn't limb it up along the way!

The tree on the right already needs some limbing up so don't forget about it.
functionthenlook
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
I agree to big for the space. Tell your neighbor that the only view or privacy anyone is guaranteed is what is in their own property line.
aliceingardenland
4 years ago
If you like the tree, have an expert come and check it. My guess is they will tell you it should go because of the roots issue, but it's worth getting some professional advice before taking it out. Otherwise, just take it out. Unless, of course there is an HOA issue too?
emmarene9
4 years ago
Raise the canopy and maybe thin it a bit. Arborist will be able to advise .
saccharum
4 years ago
Where is your property line? If the tree is on municipal property, you may not be able to remove it or even prune it without permission.
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J. N. Residential, Inc
4 years ago
The tree is too large for the space, kills your grass, especially if it is Bemruda, It also will keep the front of your house from drying out promoting mold and mildew to grow on your stucco. the roos can also damage your foundation and driveway. If the neighbor is concerned let him plant his own tree!
kitasei
4 years ago
It is a magnificent tree... so I would really study it to see how it might be limbed up and thinned to open up some air and light for your house but still give YOU some privacy. If it overhangs the neighbor's property perhaps he might contribute to the cost. Do you really need a lawn there? A ground cover wouldn't suffice? The beauty of your house and neighborhood would seem to be enhanced by mature trees so please go slowly.
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Jana Kadlicová - JK DECO
4 years ago
A house and big tree is always a perfect match. I'd let arborist to shape the tree maximum what's possible for keeping alive. Then, there are special lawn mixtures designed for growing "under tree". In this way we had finally been able to convert a bare mold space under tree into a lawn, maybe not so much beautiful, but still lawn.
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Norwood Architects
4 years ago
You should check with the city planning department/building department to see if it's even possible to remove it. Some jurisdictions are very strict about tree removal. If they allow it, you might have to pay a fine or provide recompense by planting another tree elsewhere.
decoenthusiaste
4 years ago
Wait until after you've enjoyed its fall color and then remove it. I would have a complete reno of the landscape designed and start it with this tree.
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Twelve Gardens Ltd.
4 years ago
The tree grounds the house; without it, the house could feel out of proportion with its surroundings, from what is shown in the photos. That said, have it limbed up and pruned so that it stops taking over. An arborist could open it up more and lighten it so that it is in proportion with the house.
summersrhythm_z6a
4 years ago
I’d say cut down the big tree. It’s not safe to have a big tree near a house to start with. Your neighbors next door would be happy to see it go. They won’t have to worry about tree branches to damage their cars in the wind storms.
User
4 years ago
Have tree trimmed then landscape with shade tolerant plants.
Jilly
4 years ago
I love trees so much and think yours are beautiful. I think they add such a stately (yet cozy) feel ... and actually make me want to look closer at your lovely house.

I agree with others — limb it up first and see how you feel. If you’re still not happy with it, remove. But I think opening up the area by trimming it will make such a difference! Best of both worlds. Since you’re on a corner, your house will be much more visible with the tree trimmed well, while still having a nice buffer between your house and the street. It sure will be open and stark without it.

Good luck, hope you’ll update us. :)
Olychick
4 years ago
I hope you'll figure out how to keep it by thinning and limbing it up. Perhaps, if you tell the neighbors you are going to try to make it work, you could suggest they share in the cost of an arborist, so they can still enjoy the benefits of the tree remaining?
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The Kitchen Place
4 years ago
Definitely get a CERTIFIED Arborist to assess the tree before you do anything! Not sure where you live but this tree could also help with utility bills.

would you cut down this tree?

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

Comments (21)

branson4020

Lorrie H

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