We noticed a crack on our gum tree (nicholii) the other day.
The crack goes quite deep (more than 15cm), though it’s not visible on the other side of the tree.
The tree is quite tall at about 15 metres.
We had an arborist come look at it, who gave us the options to:
1) be removed
2) remove the right main branch (not recommended as the balance of the tree will be heavily affected)
3) top it to about fence height if I want to keep the tree, with the understanding that it will need to be regularly pruned and maintained
He did also mention that the other gum tree (see second and third photo) may have to come down in the future once the cracked gum tree is removed, as it’s no longer being shielded by it.
The tree is situated in our backyard. We are torn because we love the tree, and it provides us with the shade in the summer afternoon.
I dont think the tree will fall onto the house (it’s just at the right distance away that it might hit the deck but not the house), but we have 2 kids and a dog that often play in the back yard.
In summary:
1) I’m leaning towards 3 – I know topping is frowned upon but I am happy to take care of it regularly, and more importantly, I am hoping that this will give us some time for the younger tree I planted (gunnii) (see photo 2 and 3) to get some height to provide some shade.
With regard to the other large gum tree, I’m thinking that I can just wait and see if it copes on its own.
I am hoping to get another arborist to come in and give an opinion, but I would appreciate the internets thoughts and advice also.
Would you remove it? Can it be braced? Any recommendations much appreciated.
Lastly, just for a bit more context: the arborist mentioned that the tree’s in a poor shape (top heavy), unfortunately this is how the tree came when we bought the house 2 years ago.
by squarehead33
12 Comments
I would remove it. Younger trees you have planted will grow more quickly with it gone and it is a hazard.
I’d top it and keep it short and fluffy. That will provide shelter for wildlife, reduce your fall risk and still provide shade. You can potentially wrap a metal band around it too that won’t allow further splitting.
Edit: Look at all the downvotes. Ok, the arborists have spoken. Cut it down!
If you’re willing to possibly have to have them come back I’d go with option 3. I had two oaks and a maple when that were so close to the house they were touching it when we moved in.
I cut them to the stumps and coincidentally all three grew back and seemingly fast too. Maybe the established root system helped. I would cut it to the fence and let it re grow. If it fails to regrow you maybe have to have someone come back and remove the rest but it won’t be a hazard
The short answer is: what could it damage if (when) it fails? It will fail, it’s a matter of what it will damage when it does. That crack is far too deep to even consider cabling the tree together. If you top it, it will constantly grow water shoots that are weakly attached to the stem, and can amount to immense weight. You could take the opportunity to get rid of it and plant a more suitable variety of tree or shrub in its place.
It may not NEED to…but, it WILL!
Yes. Absolutely. Don’t be a hippie. Cut it down!!!!!!
Yes, it’s a problem.
If it was in my yard I would cut it to 5 feet above the crotch and let it sucker out again. I would continue to cut off the regrowth every 2 years or so.
Or you could remove it completely but I would prefer to have something over nothing.
NIMY
At this point it would need brace rods and cables. I’d just get it removed.
With cabling, It comes down to how much you value the tree the tree and what your risk tolerances are. A cable and brace can’t guarantee that it won’t break. Weight reduction in addition to cabling can help. It also depends on species. I live in the states so I’m not familiar with these trees. But similar to here I’m sure there are trees that make good candidates for cables and some that don’t, simply due to properties of the wood or likelihood of decay. Worth having a reputable company that performs cables on a regular basis take a look.
I’d generally trust an actual certified arborist if he was one, but suggesting the removal of the other tree is pretty suspicious and sounds more like someone just trying to get a little more $
This tree will NEVER be a fully healthy tree even with Polarding which any Arborist hates to do. If you leave it, one side will fall and the remaining side will never be structurally strong enough to stand on its own. I would strongly suggest that you have it removed and replaced.