Trees add value to your house, I would not cut any down that are healthy. Since you have so many, I would have an arborist come out and look them all over. If he/she sees any that look unsafe, unwell, or that need pruning, they will tell you. Those trees are beautiful though. If you want to give something the ax, I'd go after the large shrubs instead, maybe? But take some time to contemplate the trees...I think if you start chopping, you may regret it later. New trees take a *long* time to grow.

Ok, so if you're sure some need to be removed...maybe see how things look and post a new picture once those are down?

I think it would look fine to leave a couple of the large ones, and mix in a few smaller trees. It's hard to tell from the picture, but if you remove the evergreen on the corner, could you put one cherry tree on either side of the driveway, to kind of frame the driveway as you're pulling in? I also wonder how it would look to clear out the bushes near the fence by the curb. That might give you more of a clean slate.

To answer your question about the value of cherry trees versus shade trees...I'm not sure. I'm from the south, so mature shade trees are nice to have. I have a mixture of both in my yard though. I have large shade trees, but also a few ornamentals to bring in color and look pretty.

The only tree that actually needs to be taken down is probably the evergreen right on the edge of your house. The rest need to be cleaned up (get the ivy off them) and maybe trimmed. Cut them down, and you might as well be living in yet another bog standard suburb that was built six weeks ago. Trees, mature trees, add character to a home and property. Little bitsy ornamental trees don't.

IMO, I think you should keep the 3 large shade trees. I would see if the ivy can be removed from the third. I agree that it's a good idea to remove the evergreen in the corner. I'd also remove the one to the right of the picture window and the one to the right of the octagon window. They're all too close to the house and can do damage to your foundation. Cleaning up on the sides will make a huge difference as well. I'm sure you had a home inspection but since there are so many large trees in the yard, did you have the water lines from the street to the house looked at as well to be sure the roots haven't gotten into the lines? If they have, it could be very expensive if at some point you have to replace those pipes.

I just purchased a house with HUGE 50 year old trees. I'm cutting all the tops off keeping 20'. The tops will bush out, not over whelm the yard and if they don't make it...then I'll cut them to the ground. The only one I didn't keep was a big aspen tree. They need a lot of water and care....and...it was over the sewer line.

You might want to try a harsh trim....there is value in trees. Also a cherry bush would be pretty....no need for a whole tree....just a suggestion. As for trees by the driveway...in a windstorm they can fall on a parked car...or drip sap on a parked car...

Have you seen the trees with their foliage on them? Find out what kind of trees you have & definately eliminate the ivy from the one tree. Have an arborist give you their opinion, for sure. Trees are worth keeping if they are strong.

I strongly agree with all the above comments about keeping the shade trees until you've had a chance to see how they look when they are leafed out. At that time you can determine which if any are causing too much shade and which might be providing beneficial shade . Definately an arborist should be consulted to determine the health and condition to help you decide which trees to keep and which ones to consider removing. The shrubs around the house are overgrown and should likely go and are easily replaced. Replacing mature trees takes decades.

As far as considering new trees it is also good idea to consult a local nursery or landscape expert. Cherry trees in our are are very prone to insect and disease issues. If a client of mine would like a to add a cherry tree to their landscape I always check to see if there are any diseased trees on adjacent properties or wooded areas. Diseases like 'black knot' spread very easily and if something like that is prevalent in a neighborhood I suggest staying away from cherry and other susceptible trees.

I am definitely in the camp that recommends a professional to determine if the tree stays or goes. In addition, in our county, removing a tree requires a permit from the county, and if the tree is non invasive and not diseased, it's likely the permit will only be granted if the owner agrees to install additional replacement trees.

So not only do you need an arborist, but a qualified landscaper to arrive at a master plan. Both of those services can usually be supplied by a large enough landscaping company.

Start with cutting the evergreens next to the house and pruning the overgrown shrubs. Live in the house for a year and see how healthy the trees are and how they provide shade. You can always cut the trees down next year but until you've seen the house in every season, you can't make a good informed decision.

yes indeed consult the City Street Crews to see if Trees are in Good Health, To Cut them prepare your checkbook.....Trimming tops would be more manageable..they regrow without much fuss second Look You have some kind of Ivy growing up the Trunk and part of Limbs is it English Ivy or Poison Sumac in any case they are choking the Hell out of the Tree...and surely the inside is invaded with Parasites

I think the trees overwhelm the house and add nothing. I know I am weird like that - some people think trees are practically untouchable beings.