janellep
New Member
We have a beautiful silver maple (actually two—there’s another right behind the house) that sits between our home and our neighbor's, providing wonderful shade that cools the yard and house and even helps lower our summer electrical bills. Recently, though, we noticed some fungus growing from one of the limbs, which also appears quite hollow. Concerned about the tree’s health and safety, we started getting quotes for removal, ranging from $5,500 to $8,500, and had about five different companies come out.
Then, another tree trimming guy took a look and said, “Why are you considering taking down this tree?” His suggestion was to cut off the limb extending over the neighbor’s house to avoid any insurance concerns, trim the limb over our house, and cut back the rotting limb to where it can be cleanly removed. He also recommended a general trim to help balance the tree. Of course, this all depends on whether the rot has spread down the limb and into the trunk, which would mean the whole tree would likely need to come down.
We’re really torn on what to do. Besides that one area of rot, the tree appears healthy with full foliage that won’t even drop for a few more weeks. The bark looks good, and there’s no sign of ants or fungus at the base of the trunk. Since we plan to stay here for another 20-25 years, we’re hoping that this trim job could buy us enough time to keep enjoying the tree’s shade, leaving any major decision to future homeowners. We’d hate to lose such a lovely tree, but we’d love to hear any thoughts or advice.
I should note, I found a company that will do the trim/cutting back of the rot for $3500 this would also be the same company that would remove it for $5500.
Then, another tree trimming guy took a look and said, “Why are you considering taking down this tree?” His suggestion was to cut off the limb extending over the neighbor’s house to avoid any insurance concerns, trim the limb over our house, and cut back the rotting limb to where it can be cleanly removed. He also recommended a general trim to help balance the tree. Of course, this all depends on whether the rot has spread down the limb and into the trunk, which would mean the whole tree would likely need to come down.
We’re really torn on what to do. Besides that one area of rot, the tree appears healthy with full foliage that won’t even drop for a few more weeks. The bark looks good, and there’s no sign of ants or fungus at the base of the trunk. Since we plan to stay here for another 20-25 years, we’re hoping that this trim job could buy us enough time to keep enjoying the tree’s shade, leaving any major decision to future homeowners. We’d hate to lose such a lovely tree, but we’d love to hear any thoughts or advice.
I should note, I found a company that will do the trim/cutting back of the rot for $3500 this would also be the same company that would remove it for $5500.
