My understanding is this tree was struck by lightening before I owned the house. I've been here a while and never had issues with it. But after seeing some other posts I've gotten concerned about whether I should remove it. The top has some bad spots and there's quite a few mushrooms growing out of it. Appreciate any input. Thank you.
by SoHottScott
19 Comments
It’s not gonna damage much as it’s short and stout, I wouldn’t worry too much
I’m not an arborist, but I would say if there is no danger present from the risk of the branches falling, then there is no need to cut the tree down.
You could take it down to plant something else.
But unless there is a risk of damage to property or life from branches falling, then let it run its course and enjoy what life it has left in it for the meantime.
Your choice here. Never too late to plant a replacement tree if you think it has a limited lifespan.
EDIT: If you do keep it, I would suggest removing the mulch ring and clearing down to the root flare.
You don’t need to, but what is it doing for you?
It’s going to eventually die completely more than likely. It’ll always look like shit. The sooner you get it out, the sooner you can get a new one in. Probably a nice 2-3 balled and burlap.
Where are you located? Norway maple is invasive in North America so if you’re in the states it wouldn’t be a bad time to remove and replace with something native with good thought toward selection based on the site and your preferences (in case you don’t want something tall by the house)
Absolutely not .. it’s got character
It’s a Norwegian maple you shouldn’t plant those anyway so yeah cut it down
Nah it’s good 👍
It’s seen better days, but I reckon it’ll pull through. I’ve got a birch in a similar state which is a bit bigger and a beech which is enormous, taller than my house and is in a really bad way. I’m hoping once the rest of the dead falls off it, even that will survive as it does have new growth on certain parts.
At the same time I do agree if you’re more worried about looks and safety, cut it down and put something else in. If you want to try and keep it going then do so. I can’t actually afford to get mine seen to and because of where I live I’m not allowed to do it myself…
Maybe I should have taken that tree surgery apprenticeship instead of going to uni after all…
I imagine the fungus is just eating the dead bits and the tree itself is not infected. But as I’ve outlined above, I’m not exactly qualified to make that call.
Mother Nature is way ahead of ya
Idk, I’m not an Arborist but the rot at the top is an issue. You’ll need to top it to fresh wood where it can heal and keep out water.
The longer you wait the more difficult it will be to safely cut down.
Regrowth from a major injury like lighting is rarely healthy and can be dangerous.
Personally I would never allow a tree to grow that close to a house either. I’d cut it down even if it was healthy (and plant something small there).
I wouldn’t risk letting it grow – cut it down now while it can be done easily. I could get that tree onto the ground in ten minutes. Wait for it to rot or regrow poorly and it might be more like 6 hours. Once it’s on the ground, another 30 minutes or so to chip it, clean up, etc (unless you want the stump ground and the area turned into grass – that’s a lot of work but you could DIY it to save money).
I never recommend DIY cutting a tree down if it’s that size – seen far too many people seriously injured, too many houses destroyed, etc. It’s also not an easy job if you don’t have the right tools.
It’s time.
hi Scott, i’m pretty sure I recognize this as my grandparents old house. they planted that tree in around the early 80’s.
Get a hammer and see how far down the main trunk is hollow. Tap next to the rotten part to hear what hollow sounds like, then move down from there, tapping as you go, until you hear a change in tone.
those mushrooms growing out the top are dryad’s saddle, choice edibles. the mycelium in your tree is of value to mushroom growers.
That tree will need to be felled within a few years’ time but it’s not an emergency.
Sad tree.