This is my childhood home that I’m renovating, the willow tree is about 30 years old and has had multiple large branches fall over the years. The tree is a significant post of how I remember the house and provides a lot of shade. I’ve had my foundation checked out and it appears the rear and front of the home is an inch or so below grade. The back yard has a notable slope away from the house and I assume if the tree was the cause it would be above grade? I’ve included a diagram from the foundation experts in where you can see where the tree is located as well as the location of a 4’ x 1/8” stress fracture.
I was quoted between $5-9k to restore the foundation and would absolutely love if the tree could be saved in this process. (I’m aware the tree needs to be trimmed from above the house and that it would be more happy if it’s roots could breathe)
Thank you for your knowledge!!
by ahines777
4 Comments
Its a hazard. It could cause significant damage to both. Remove it would be the the best option.
I do not understand the purpose of saving a tree in this condition and situation. This is a very bad placement and was unfortunately ignored and permitted to grow as such for decades, and it really should not have been. Moving it many years ago, or not planting it where it was planted, would have been better, and at this point it is just a liability and a hazard. I would remove that first and foremost.
This is a residential property, and it is not the last tree of this type. It is time to push past the nostalgia and do some necessary and overdue landscaping maintenance.
From what I’ve seen and read about Willow coppicing the Devil will be in the not regrowing part.
You need to contact someone local to come & have a look. With it being such a large tree, I’d be concerned about subsidence once the roots start to rot. What kind of soil is the house on? Is it prone to shrinkage/cracking?
I’d definitely want it removed, but how you go about that could be tricky. Before contacting an arborist for removal, I’d be talking to a structural engineer to ensure I make the best decisions with all the information available to me.