This tree has two trunks coming from a bulbous looking, knotty base. I’m familiar with potential risk for the “crotch” to split in some instances. I *think* the bark is meant to kind of shaggy but recently I’ve been worried it’s ready to fall because some of the bark looks shaggy from the weight and movement? None of the tree appears to be dying but I’m not an arborist and don’t know the species.
I can’t fell it myself since I’m in city limits, and it’s aimed at neighbors’ houses as well as the power lines. It’s not a risk of falling on my house but potentially two different neighbors’ if it’s not sturdy so I’d rather make an informed decision. We recently had an acquaintance die in his own home after a windstorm took one of his trees down, so I’d like to take this seriously.
My question is whether this tree needs to come down sooner rather than later. Don’t want to ask a local arborist unless I’m sure it’s a problem, in case they just see dollar signs for a risky felling.
by fearlessrocktinkerer
5 Comments
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a root flare burl before, I think that’s what it is anyway. If not then it’s something equally rare. Very cool!
As for the risks posed by the two trunks? If you don’t see then actively cracking there’s no concern. There’s very little risk involved with that, it’s merely a suggestion some people make to remove one side if it’s a very young tree to avoid a potential weak spot that very rarely actually causes issues
If it was mine I’d probably put a cable or two in it and hang onto it as long as I can. Very awesome specimen! I don’t see any immediate cause for concern. The cable would be more of a precaution for me, just to play it safe. That burl at the bottom is pretty valuable, don’t let anybody haul that off to the dump when/if this thing comes down.
This tree will likely outlast you
The tree will outlive the house
No, move the house
No.