trees vs. houses

[Stumper]

There are some species which are prone to shedding large limbs which I wouldn't want over my house. I generally hate to see most species of trees with their trunk within 10 feet of the house-15' or more is preferable. Beyond those criteria I feel at least as protected by large trees as threatened by them. Shade and wind diversion are NICE.

 

[Tree Machine]

I bid this tree late last Summer. The client asked for it to be removed. I wrote up an estimate for a Winter crown reduction, to shake off the nuts and so on.

He got back with me and said, "Tree Machine, I asked for the price on a <i>takedown.</i>"
"I know."
"Then you understand I want the tree gone."
"I know."
"Am I missing something?"
"I think it's a fabulous tree and I'm trying to talk you into keeping it."

He's whining about it pushing in his basement walls. I'm not so sure. He knows its a walnut and he definitely wants the log, I think that's the motive.

I've kept him stalled for 5 months. What do you guys think about this tree, and its relation to the house(s)?

 

[glens]

That pile of stickered wood in the porch is telling me something...

Of the two trees in the picture, I believe the one by the porch is the one I'd take down first, though the bole on the other certainly is more attractive.

 

[TreemanFJR]

I agree with glens.
Man that walnut looks awesome for being in an urban setting.
I would wake up with a smile from ear to ear if it was mine.

 

[Stumper]

Jim, It looks too close to the house. Tree and house have both been there a long time. I wouldn't expect the tree to be causing damage but it is possible. It is his property. Shed a tear and cut it down.

I agree with Glen-the one in front would be my first concern rather than the Walnut but......

 

[Tree Machine]

Ughh....

The circumstances go deeper than that. He told me, (and I quote),

If you don't cut it down, I'll find somebody who will."

and there are plenty of Treeguys here in the city that won't blink.

I'm realizing that you guys are getting pulled into this unfolding tree drama, in real-time. I mean, I still haven't done the tree. It's still standing. I can stall the guy with , 'Treeman needs to have the ground frozen' . But come this June, he's gonna remember the huge crop of wanuts that pelted his roof, and filled his gutters. I need your help on this one. I need your counseling.

 

[Tree Machine]

I did the diplomatic things, as forementioned, and finally after round 1 of stalling, I DID write him a quote for taking down, and charged him 'attorney' fee, whence the guy is a builder / developer.

He gave a 'go' on it.

 

[Tree Machine]

important detail

There's some other things you guys should know. The tree is directly across the street from the neighborhood's Neighborhood President.

 

[TREEWRK]

I beleive that trees are a living structure but I'm sorry if it were hanging over my house get rid of it.

 

[TREEWRK]

Would like to know if the climber being double crotch in had hard hat on hello.

 

[Tree Machine]

No, it was about 90 out that day, and I chose avoiding heat issues over head-thunking risks. No good excuse, but an excuse, nonetheless.

Anyway, that Oak is safe and sound, and I just need to go up and get my sling sometime.

The Walnut, on the other hand, it's something we're going to have to step up to here in the near future.

Attached is an article from the neighborhood newsletter regarding the mature trees in this neighborhood. The writer is a tree client of mine of 7 years.

 

[Tree Machine]

Although I don't live in the neighborhood, I have been a treeguy there for close to ten years.

 

[treechick]

hi, all ... jumping back to the subject of the spruce removal >> in these parts we have pretty high moisture and see a lot of problems with pine needles accumulating and rotting shingles. sometimes it can be difficult to convince a client that what was once appropriate (sm. spruce) for the landscape can outgrow its purpose & usefulness. landscapes that are done properly and professionally will allow for the rotation of trees / shrubs close to the house and plant the larger, slower growing tree farther away. i'd get rid of the spruce.
...and while this might seem a contradiction, I'd be inclined to keep the walnut. pruned & deadwooded properly it can be made safe. as far as convincing a customer of this ??? right off the top of my head, it sounds more like your client is afraid of it than the angle of 'trying to make $$$ on the log' ? perhaps a casual visit by you and a couple other arborists ("casual" as in removing liability from your pals) might give him more than the 2 viewpoints he has so far ? just food for thought.
>>> hug yer "Honeys" & loved ones, it's Valentine's Day !!!

 

[MasterBlaster]

$crew it, it you can't talk him outta it, TD the sucker. At least ask him if you can plant (and charge him) a new tree to "make up" for the unnecessary TD.