A few years ago I had my front sidewalk replaced because the maple tree roots had caused the sidewalk to buckle in many places. They had to remove huge tree roots in order to pour new level concrete. I have been told that may cause the demise of the tree. You can see the above ground roots still there that they cut away from.
There are some smaller dead branches, but so far nothing major. I had one other maple tree which was probably planted at the same time (I am guessing about the time the house was built - 1940). It was dying and had a large limb come down, it would have landed on my neighbor's house. I had it removed a few years ago - and if you have had a large tree cut down you know the expen$e.
Now that my street is being redone, they will be removing huge roots that are against the curb.
I was approached by the city engineering department asking if I was attached to my tree.
Uh, yes, but I was made an offer I am considering. With more roots being removed, the chances of the tree dying in the next few years are great. The city will cut it down at no charge to me, savings me many thousands in a few years. The conundrum is that I LOVE my tree and the shade it provides. There is now an ordinance that trees cannot be planted on the tree lawn because of power line issues. As you can see, there is little room on the lawn between the sidewalk and house so planting a tree there is not a viable option. I am so torn!!! I know I will be sorry if I don't take them up on the offer, but it is still a hard decision for me.
I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th. It has sounded like a war zone in my neighborhood for weeks with all the fireworks being shot off.
I can't even begin to imagine how much money people spend on them. I have better things to do with my money, like pay bills (and buy more wool and a few antiques . . . lol!).
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs 😊
Lauren
I've had MANY trees removed from my property either because they were dead and threatened my house or neighbor's house so know the cost. Just how much shade does it provide during the summer when you need shade and when the sun moves where is it during the winter when you want the sun? Uh, and how much time do you spend in the house looking outside to look at that tree? Does this help in you making a decision?
ReplyDeleteI miss my two big trees. I miss the shade. I miss the privacy they provided. I miss the greenery, the birds. But.. they were diseased with Emerald Ash disease. They were dying. So I made the choice to have them cut down before they fell and caused damage. My insurance agent told me they do not have to pay a claim for damage caused by falling trees if you knew they were diseased or dying.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing to consider in this time when it seems like storms are getting stronger & more damaging, is that a weakened tree is more likely to fall/lose limbs during heavy wind and rain.
ReplyDeleteI don't envy you having to make this decision but boy that's a big tree. I think the offer of free would sway me in the direction of having the city take it down.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the other comments too ....let the town take care of the tree ....you house is so pretty
ReplyDeleteThis is a difficult decision. I love big old trees, with a particular fondness for oaks.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the photo with the dead branches in the crown, the thinning crown, and the damage to the trunk, combined with the prior root damage, and knowing a bunch more roots will be cut, I'd take them up on their offer. I suspect even if the road work were not being done, that tree is already on a downward spiral.
It's not just saving future tree removal cost. It might also mean saving time/energy/money to deal with house or car damages when it does start losing more big branches or totally falls over in a big wind from the wrong direction. It still stinks to lose the shade though.
I forgot to say - I'd make sure to be gone the day it is taken down, and cry like a baby when I got home.
ReplyDeleteWell, unlike the prior commenters, I would say keep it. KEEP IT! I just can't bear to part with trees - especially ones that have a chance of life. I actually mourn when I see a downed tree. I'm a real sap...and, no pun intended. (PS...I LOVE your house!). ~Robin~
ReplyDeleteI've had to deal with the lost of several big trees since I moved into our present home and I cried when the huge pine tree on the other side of the road was cut. I has such a feeling of lost. It was rotten at the base. Then we had two soft wood maple trees cut because of ice storm damage and they were close to the back deck. We had another huge, soft wood maple tree cut because the Electric Power company had changed the power line to run directly over the tree years earlier. That one was cut free of charge by the electric power company and I had to install a metal gazebo for shade. I have a huge tree in front of the house that will have to be trimmed at some point. So I sympatize with you. I would accept the city's offer, simply because you're a hooker... Just think how much yummy wool you can buy with the money you'll save. lol...
ReplyDeleteI have no use for firework. So much money for something you can see on Youtube.
Take care, hugs.
Julia
Oh I hate to lose trees too. We had 3 large oaks removed several years ago and yikes and I hated how it made the yard look. But it was for the best.
ReplyDeleteFunny we haven't heard much for fireworks until tonight! There must of been an after-holiday special of course the air is still so we can hear them from all around.
Cathy
Such a dreadful decision to ponder. But it doesn't look in the best of health now and you will probably need removal within a few years. I would need to plant a good size new one in the yard, just to still see a tree.
ReplyDeleteThat is a tough decision. I hate taking trees down but would probably do so in this case. It really doesn't look very healthy and will most likely die in the next few years. I'm not sure why you can't plant another tree to take its place, maybe something that doesn't get as tall? The wires look to be on the other side of the street. I agree with not being home when they do cut it down (if you decide to go that route). I'd be very sad seeing that happen. Jan in MA
ReplyDelete