I'd like to trim the tree to reduce a bunch of the overhanging branches over my house and the neighbors. I'm also concerned about the roots touching my foundation. The tree itself predates the entire neighborhood, so I'd like to keep it healthy and happy.
Looking for any advance on the tree. The tree-cutting service I was talking to mainly just wants me to provide instructions on what to cut; they don't offer much from the advice side.
by aldonley
11 Comments
Plant net gives it about a 25% chance to be a willow oak, if that helps
I’d never call that “tree cutting service” ever again…I read that and imagined myself calling an electrician and them saying “you tell me where the wires go” lol. Consult a professional arborist in your area. One with an ISA cert. Call a few if possible. I wouldn’t let the tree cutter anywhere near that beautiful tree
Take down those power lines so the Electric Company doesn’t come hack it to bits.
Looks safe from here. Get a certified arborist (not from a company who wants to trim your tree) to tell you if you are paranoid about it. Tree looks beautiful. Nice shade. This tree has been “touching your foundation“ for decades already so your concern may not be justified if you are not seeing any evidence of problems.
It’s sensible to do some reduction pruning on the branches on the side of your house, but from the pictures there isn’t a substantial amount of weight on these branches so it may not be “necessary” as of yet. Tree has great root flair… mostly what you can do to keep it healthy is mulch as large of a circle around the base as you can stand (ideally to the edge of the canopy(drip line, but that would be your whole yard). Grass competes with trees for water so help it win the fight as much as possible.
Hire an actual certified arborist to come care for your tree. If they don’t educate you on their process then you don’t know what you’re going to get. I always prided myself on educating my clients as thoroughly as possible because at the end of the day it’s your responsibility to care for your assets. A tree like yours is a very valuable asset to your property and home. You need to hire someone you can trust to help you make good decisions for it’s present and future care. Dont be scared to get several estimates so you can feel out each company
Have it inspected by and [registered consulting arborist.](https://www.asca-consultants.org/search/custom.asp?id=3818) Maintenance will likely be minimal. If they recommend something crazy bring the report or recommendations here for verification.
The ivy is choking it to death, as it’s almost taken it over. Clean that stuff out. Do not top the tree. That’s the wrong thing to do. Leave it alone. Get rid of the ivy. Do not mulch around it.
Wow! I have a gorgeous weeping beech in front of my home that is over 140 years old. When we bought the house we understood part of our stewardship was to care for this magnificent tree … which led us to search out an amazing arborist that has a whole division of their business donated solely to tree health and preservation. When vetting an arborist I strongly suggest asking about their approach to trees – are they looking to just bring it down or do they care about preserving the tree and keeping it, and you, safe? You should be able to tell pretty quickly what the company’s mindset is. Our old lady is under their regular care and supervision; they make regular stops to monitor her for fungal issues, aphids, trim out dead wood, and maintain crown integrity, and keep it safely pruned off the sidewalk, our walkways, and our house…. And despite all that tbh it’s not even that expensive. Totally worth it to find the right people imho! With the right care they say she should keep going strong for many more years!
You really dont need to do much to a tree like that except stay out of its way. Its made it 100 years old already so just keep an eye on any lopsided branches and check it for disease and pest each spring and fall. Have an arborist come out to review the tree but do not cut anything unless they can teach you why it would be a good thing in your specific circumstance.
Please do your homework. That’s beautiful tree.