Questions about Large Tree Removal

[Jamison]

Hello everyone, thanks for having me here. I’m a landowner (not a professional) with a large dead cherry tree in my front yard. When we moved in two years ago it was covered from top to bottom in thick, dark green ivy. I removed the ivy at the base to kill it off, but I realized soon after that the damage to the tree was already done.

I’ve had a couple estimates from local tree removal specialists but all three have told me it’s unlikely they can grind the stump because it’s close to the public sidewalk and probably goes under it. I would love to not have a large stump there. Ideally I’d like to plant a nice healthy tree in its place, but I’ll see what you guys think first. I’ve attached some pics for your consideration. What are your opinions about what can be done?

Thank you all very much.

 

[KarlD]

If all three have said the same thing it likely their concerns are well founded. Having said that, based on the pictures, it looks to me like it would be possible to at least grind the stump to below ground level so that you don’t have a stump to worry about. Total grinding/removal of the whole stump looks to be a no no; replant away from the stump remains and the pavement if there is room?

 

[GilksTreeFelling]

yup i'd have to concur, bring the stump down just below grade, and fill it in with some mulch or soil. those guy wires look a little close would have to be a little cautious with those as they would do a number on the grinder

 

[arathol]

Heres a thought -
From the location of those guy wires, that tree may be in a right of way owned by the town or city. I'd look into that possibility before going any further. If the tree is in a right of way the local municipality will remove it.

 

[hosocat]

Or leave the stump at about 18-24 inches, carve out the center and plant flowers and trailing plants. Looks real nice that way.

 

[sean donato]

Heres a thought -
From the location of those guy wires, that tree may be in a right of way owned by the town or city. I'd look into that possibility before going any further. If the tree is in a right of way the local municipality will remove it.

That depends on local ordnance, a right of way does not mean the municipality owns the property. You would have to convince them it will harm the sidewalk and or the street. Some will have it taken down, and send you the bill. Here the landowner is responsible for tree maintenance, including trimming and removal of dead trees. Only way you get out of it, is if the tree comes down in a storm, or someone crashes into it. This is an issue we go through weekly with our residents. Just my 2 cents

 

[Jamison]

Thank you all for your valuable input! I’m really glad to know about grinding options (previously I thought it was all the stump or none of it) and the right of way ordinance possibility. And of course planters are always eye catching. I’m going to look into all those options.

Since I have y’all here I had one additional thought: is there any value in the first 10-15 feet of straight trunk for woodworkers? I wasn’t sure if hobbyists/local mills typically bought large trunks for furniture projects. Just curious, this is my first time having a tree cut down of this size. Thanks again!

 

[Bearcreek]

Since I have y’all here I had one additional thought: is there any value in the first 10-15 feet of straight trunk for woodworkers? I wasn’t sure if hobbyists/local mills typically bought large trunks for furniture projects. Just curious, this is my first time having a tree cut down of this size. Thanks again!

There might be some (probably small) value if you have it sitting on a trailer in their driveway, not standing in your yard. I'd say there's a very good chance that that tree is hollow though, which might help you with the stump removal part, but not the wood value part.

 

[JustaHatRack]

Or leave the stump at about 18-24 inches, carve out the center and plant flowers and trailing plants. Looks real nice that way.

I have done that same thing, well sort of. The stump is right beside where the gas lines go underground towards the house and I didn't want to take a chance. I first put some fake ferns and fake vines in it until I got some plants growing. Looks good and no explosion.

 

[JustaHatRack]

Here is a solution to the stump problem but being in a city and on the outside of your yard may not work too well. Just thought it was cool.