Hi All,
I live in Denver, CO, US and have now owned the house long enough to witness two utility paid tree trimmings of the ~60 year old ash in my backyard. Today was a lot more severe than the last time in 2019. I've attached 3 photos of what was done today, as well as what the tree looked like this summer and early October. It has always been biased towards the house because of the utility trimmings but I am concerned that this time it was too aggressive considering now ALL of the weight is on the side closest to the house. I have had it treated every two years for EAB and I would've considered it in good health before today.
Am I overreacting or is this a major structural issue based on what you see in the photos? The branches removed were 40-50% of the total canopy if I had to guess.
Thank you
by mg0622
14 Comments
To just answer the answer in the title- no, not at all.
No, I worked a long time in northern Colorado and the trees there might as well be anchored in concrete. That clay soil and lack of moisture makes it very hard for trees to fall over. Even with better soil I still wouldn’t be worried about this tree
It very likely won’t get to your house. Though as a utility arborist myself I’m sorry your tree had to be pruned in such a way. It’s unfortunate placement for the tree. Perhaps your city has a tree replacement program of some sort if you were to go through with a full removal? Mine does for the sake of preserving the city shade ordinance.
The good news is the “nice” side faces your house.
Simple answer, no. They have been doing it for years and it’s acclimated to the weight differential.
Just be happy you have living Ash trees. The Ash boarers destroyed all of our. Whole swaths of forest of just dead standing timber now
I would email the power company with pictures and all your concerns if you plan to keep the tree. Then you have a record incase anything happens. Or you could remove the tree so that its not a worry and plant something more appropriate
Ashholes!
It’s unlikely to fall on the house, but it’s always unfortunate when trees are planted directly underneath utility lines. This is always the result a couple decades later, and I shake my head every time I see it.
It won’t even reach your house
So much weight on that side. Utility company did this to me. Fell the following year in a big storm. Not sure why people saying its anchored and fine in here. I would be concerned. All that weight now on one side. Whole new stress for that tree. Might not have problems now but in a few years probably.
The genius who cut mine swore up and down it will be fine. Told him if it falls in the next few years he is taking it out and replacing it. Gotta say he was a man of his word 9 months later.
Butchered, I had a simular issue with a giant oak, I called the utility company and was able to get them to send someone out and they agreed to just cut it down. It was unfortunate but it would also be unfortunate for the tree to hit the power line and start a fire.
Looks good. It sucks but the utility company could have also chopped the entire tree down. Easements are also known as no mercy zones
Homie there is no way in hell that’s even reaching your house. Source: I have eyes