Sounds like the risks to your home/neighbor's home may outweigh the beauty of the tree. 15 feet is a little too close to the house for most trees. I have a large spreading white ash that's roughly that distance form the back corner of our house. It has one huge limb (a good 1/3 to 1/3 of the crown) overhanging our back family room, and I worry about it splitting and crunching that room. I've thought about hiring someone to take that limb off the tree, but it would disfigure it significantly.

You should if it negatively effects your standard of living and it seems to be adding stress.

Um, for the environment and to settle your thoughts of hating to remove a large tree which I understand, plant a new one or something similar.

how about a pic ...

i would not have a 100 foot tree 15 feet from my home

you do not need an arborist .... if the decision is not based on tree health ...

get at least 3 removal quotes.. and insure they are insured ... if you have the stump ground out... have them remove the grindings ....

i have no qualms about removing a plant ... i usually end up planting more than i remove ...

ken

Thanks everyone for your input. Even though the tree appears to be healthy, I believe I will take it down. I've received a quote of $1,150 which includes stump grinding. I will find out if insured. I definitely plan to replace with a deciduous, ornamental tree that will only grow to, at the most, 20-30 ft at maturity.

I'd leave it. My parents have a similar sized tree much closer. Does't look like any branches are leaning over the house. It looks healthy and Norway Spruce tend to be very wind resistant. Is it to the North or South of your house?

it is leaning towards house, is messy, drops sap and alot of pine cones when it's windy out. I think it's too big

-===>> then get rid of it.. and dont look back ...

besides.. you are doing a relandscaping anyway ...

ken

ps: spruce drop spruce cones .. not PINE cones ... lol ...

It's on the east side (rear) of the house so it is somewhat protected from the heavy winds. The front of my home faces west. I sit up high and face a lake. In the winter heavy winds come across the lake and I've been told that 2 trees that were in the front of the house fell over, one on the house about 5 or so years ago. Not sure if they were Norway Spruces though.

I've been told that 2 trees that were in the front of the house fell over, one on the house about 5 or so years ago.

==>>> this story just gets worse and worse ... are you about done hugging this tree .. rotflmbo ...

ken

That's like 25-30 ft. from your house. It's a huge, beautiful tree, imo. Would be a shame to lose it.m

It doesn't look that close from the photo. If it were mine I would leave it.

I'd lke to see the bids to move a 100' spruce!

I would leave it, your house will look barren without it...in addition it looks very healthy and really not that close

I realize it looks farther away in the photo, but it is not. Measured to the handicap ramp about 12 ft., however, it is not touching the house. I am worried about the high winds I get especially if we get soaking rains then high winds. I think the other ones in the front came down during Hurricane Irene in 2011.

Maybe I should be about done tree hugging, ken, lol.

As a bit of a Norway spruce fancier-to use the least term possible!-I have yet to see one single whole-tree failure of this species in N. America. I only add that geographic qualifier because Huggorm, who hails from Sweden, has seen some large-scale blowdowns, but these were trees growing on thin soils atop a rock ledge if I'm not mistaken.

I would rate Norway spruce as the most wind-firm, least susceptible to storm damage tree I know of. And that's a lot of different species!

Incredible habitat for birds and other critters, majestic and full of life force somehow is this tree. I would-of course-not take it down. But I am a fanatic. YMMV.

I would leave it. But do waht you think is best. Do these trees have a habit of falling apart?

wisconsinton - Do you prefer Norway spruce to Blue spruce? If so, why?

Do these trees have a habit of falling apart?

No, not if they have been growing out in the open all their life and are used to wind. The top might crack under the load of cones during a mast year though, but the branches are rock steady

I would take it down given that it is close to your house. I live in Connecticut and we've been hit with several Nor'easters and hurricanes over the last 10 years. Lots of large trees were toppled. I had one oak and one spruce go down. Luckily they fell away from my house.

As a bit of a Norway spruce fancier-to
use the least term possible!-I have yet to see one single whole-tree
failure of this species in N. America. I only add that geographic
qualifier because Huggorm, who hails from Sweden, has seen some
large-scale blowdowns, but these were trees growing on thin soils atop a
rock ledge if I'm not mistaken.

No, they will blow down even if they grow in deep soil, they have a shallow root system so the soil depth doesn't really matter that much. The scots pine will only blow down if it grows in thin soils on rock though. But an openly grown NS will not blow down, the problem occurs when they are grown in forests and protect each other from the wind. When one tree falls, the next will soon follow. A chain reaction that I have not seen in other tree species, but I don't have much experience with other mono cultures of trees except pine and beech that doesn't behave that way.

I would rate Norway spruce as the most wind-firm, least susceptible to storm damage tree I know of. And that's a lot of different species!

Even better than oak?

Incredible habitat for birds and other critters, majestic and full of
life force somehow is this tree. I would-of course-not take it down.
But I am a fanatic. YMMV.

I read that birds start building their nests earlier if they have evergreens, so you have a point there. They will lose a few weeks if they have to wait for leaves to emerge. Also, the dense foliage is perfect for hiding nests in, protected from rain and birds of prey. But one big reason why they plant so much NS over here is that no animals will eat the plants. They can't grow pine any more, because the mooses eat them. No herbivores seem to like the taste of NS.

I stay with my statement. The area where I live is full of old, legacy Norway spruce. What's more, I've been in the tree biz for more decades than I expect quite a few of you have been alive. I have never-I can't stress this enough-never seen one come down as whole-tree failure. Not once. Even branch loss is almost unheard of, although now and then that can happen. Extremely wind-firm trees, as grown in N. America. This, I'm afraid, is one where I will not back down one inch. More so than oak you ask? How on earth could I state anything but a generality-oaks are also windfirm!

Lane, I do indeed prefer NS to Colorado spruce. Let me count the ways: So, much more well-adapted to atmospheric moisture than is the Rocky Mt. tree, ultimately capable of a longer lifespan and greater overall size-I'm into real big trees, wonderful deep green color, heavy substance...I could go on. Oh yeah, very rapid growth (and not at all weak-wooded as a result), yes I guess you could say I like this tree!

Colorado spruce is a great tree too, but is suffering greatly in the eastern half of the US with a range of fungal pathogens, the seriousness of which has ramped up over the last ten years or so. NS has no such problem, or at least, very much less of it.

I have got a large pile of mature NS in the far end of my property, blown down a few years ago. But that's just because my neighbor cut all the trees on his side down so there is no windbreak anymore. Looks like a game of "Mikado" over there.

I agree that branch loss is very rare though, the branches are actually very tough. After a tree falls down the trunk will rot away much faster than the branches, even if it's much thicker. The branches are also a very good firewood, unlike the trunk.

My humble opinion - plant the smaller, understory-type trees in the front yard (dogwood, redbud etc) that grow to 30ft or less. Keep the beautiful spruce out back. I am in a similar situation and I can guarantee you that 99% of the trees fall in the direction the wind blows off the lake, making you safe from this tree. Also, as mentioned by others, norway spruce simply don't topple unless there's a serious issue. Have a pro look at it for peace of mind.

I would also like to encourage you to reforest as much of your property as you feel comfortable doing. I'm 32 and I can say with confidence, for our up and coming generation, that the neon-green lawn as an ideal home landscape is on its way out and a natural, chemical free, organic and native planting style is emerging. We need to stop clear cutting and dumping junk all over the earth. If you want help in this area, make a new thread or see my thread on reforesting my backyard.

Thank you everyone for all your insightful comments.

Johniferous-the tree could fall in the opposite direction of my house, but will then land on my neighbor's house, which is about 20 ft away. The tree appears to be healthy and is home to birds, squirrels, etc, but it does drop sap and when it's windy the cones hit my house and neighbors house and windows. This, of course, is not horrible, and to me doesn't warrant cutting down this majestic tree. But, for safety reasons, I am considering it. I think I will contact an arborist to check on the health of the tree and their opinion on removing it, before I make a final decision.

I totally get it, but like many people in your situation, your fear is irrational. Not trying to be mean, hear me out.

How many people live with giant trees next to their house? How many die or experience tragedy due to a downed tree? A fraction of a fraction of a percent? By your standard of safety, you shouldn't be driving a car either because the level of risk is immensely higher than the risk from that tree. That gas line heating your home could explode....see where I'm going?

People let the fear win and we end up with clear cut land. I say screw that. If the tree is healthy, let it be, and plant more! You'll be fine and you'll have done something great for the ecosystem/future generations, not to mention the natural beauty you'll bring back to your property.

The thing is, when a tree of some size does come down on a house it can be a disaster. A drunk plowing into you in your car is to some extent something you can't control, whereas the possible threat posed by a tree near your house is something you can take away.

That otherwise nearly empty lot looks like it has plenty of room for other plantings - farther from the house - that wouldn't be cause for concern.

As much as I agree with Johniferous-and as much as I obviously come close to obsessing over Norway spruce, it would be perfectly understandable for the OP to want to not live with this big chunk of potential energy hanging over their house, all other comments I've made notwithstanding. In other words, great minds (and even my mind) can disagree over this one.

Here in Pennsylvania last year we had a crazy wind storm, a lot of trees came down. Neighbors had a Norway spruce that snapped in half about 20 feet up and took out the power line. Even so, I vote to keep the tree! If there's a wind storm just go into the basement. I hate all these newer residential areas with no trees.

My parents planted a Norway spruce right outside my bedroom window and I watched this tree grow as I grew. The tree is now 70 years old and still growing 6 feet from the house. We have lost a couple of small limbs in major wind storms, but nothing serious. The branches on the house side of the tree have been pruned back over the years, but there has been no other care required. The cones are very useful for making holiday wreaths that we sell to the neighbors in the winter. The surplus cones get chopped up with the lawn mower in the spring and make an excellent mulch on the flower bed. I have never considered this tree a problem compared to a lot of other trees that I have worked on during my career. However, I would still vote for having a certified arborist look the tree over to be sure there are no problems.

All you get from a hazard tree evaluation is an opinion and not a guarantee

It's a junk tree. Most trees are junk trees (to me) if it was me I'd chop it without hesitation and plant fruit trees or at least a Chinese chestnut.

Darn "junk trees".....they're all over the place. Oh, except for fruit trees and Chinese chestnuts, of course! ;^)

The entire forest ecosystem is 99% junk trees. Got it.

No right or wrong here. I personally prefer spruces as privacy screens or backdrops, but do not like big ones near houses like this (from an architectural standpoint). I'd probably take it down, but understand that a spuce fan may not want to.

Yes, hamburglar1, no right or wrong. I guess I was hoping for a unanimous opinion that the tree should come down based on the spruce tree's shallow root system, wind off the lake, many cones hitting house and windows, sap on ramp and railing, age and height of the tree, and close proximity to mine and my neighbor's house. My lot is only 1/3 of an acre and much of the front of my home is on a steep slope and has the lake view. The back of my home is where this spruce tree is and it's the only tree, except for a crab apple on the side of the house. I do plan on adding a smaller deciduous tree or two, if I remove the spruce. There are a couple of larger deciduous trees in my neighbor's yard right behind the spruce, so I don't think my property will look barren at all.

You want it gone.....may as well do the deed. Sure, I'm saying how great these things are, but it's your house, your situation, etc.

Found a few more pics of the spruce.

Wisconsitom---in a way I do want it gone, but as I've said, I'm torn, ok I'm chicken, lol. The tree houses many critters and its been there a long time. I guess I was looking for good, sound, reasons--validation (excuses) to remove the tree.

A mid-way step would be to have some careful pruning done to get it up and away from the house just a bit. Peeps here be saying all the time-"don't raise up spruce"...but if that were my tree, I could easily and satisfactorily improve the situation with just a few pruning cuts. Easy peasy if you ask me. Even as much as I love these things, I wouldn't have it hanging right on the house. Maybe see if a good arborist could offer you a plan that you like.

I have done that a few times, removed the branches from the lower halv of a NS. It will make them more like an ordinary tree where you can walk underneath and it will let sunshine meet the ground. A nice compromise.

I agree^.. The big row of giant NS we climbed as kids were raised up slightly and you'd never know it by appearance. As the next tier of branches continues to grow and gain weight, it droops downward and fills some of that space. This is far more doable than some here make it sound. Especially in a species having such proclivity for size and height, a little raising up is actually no big deal in a mature plant. And like Hug says, it's actually nice to walk under these big trees.

With the additional pictures, your case for removal just got stronger IMO. Using a spruce as a standalone specimen near a house is questionable/debatable from a landscape architecture standpoint, but a limbed-up spruce in that situation is a non-starter. Your upstairs window is completely overcrowded by branches, and you'd have to limb up at least 20+' or so to clear the window. That will be straight-up ugly. Limbed-up spruces may be passable in a grove or naturalistic setting, but not as a (more or less) a foundation-specimen tree. My two cents anyway. Good luck with your decision.

So, what do you think of this spruce? It makes my eyes sore, I'm happy I don't have to pass it on my way to work anymore. But it is possible to do it much better than that.

60 foot maple lost a limb .. and fell on my 84 year old mothers house.. right over her bedroom ... i had been telling her and dad to get rid of it for 20 years ... it was about 12 feet from the house ..

middle of the night storm ..... right over her bed.. thank god is was a brick and plaster house ... crushed in a window... broke the stone sill... the one year old roof had to be replaced.. including half the wood ... new gutters... lots of plaster crack repairs inside ... frankly .. i dont know how good old mom woke up with such a jolt in the middle of the night. and live to tell about it ....

the point of my story .... is to not think about it being a tree ... think about one thing... one simple thing.. your peace of mind ... is this thing going to bother you.. every time the wind blows ...

i vote.. good bye ...

ken

The pic added by huggorm is not helpful to this discussion. Nothing remotely like that need be done here-as he himself does explain.

Again, do as you please, but the doomers and gloomers here are going way off the tracks IMO. A few judicious pruning cuts would have that up and off your house in no time. Nor would it look ungainly.

Now one thing to keep in mind-I have two-and especially one-very large, old arborvitaes-I don't know what cultivar but they look more or less like species except stay greener in winter.....and the seedlings thereof, which I collect regularly, grow unbelievably fast for an arb. In any case, the one in question is at the midway point of the front of my house, right adjacent to our front porch, so in a sense, badly out of scale with the house. These are big plants. But here's the thing: I like the tree more than I like the house and it provides a very nice, cool microclimate in warm weather up on that porch, holds uncountable birds and other critters, etc. So I'm not just thinking design elements here. And all of the attributes I'm listing for this big old arb could also apply to your spruce.

I think another fallacy in play here is that one must always, everywhere, raise a tree up equally all the way around. Yes, I would normally do so too, but in certain cases-and this is one of them-an unbalanced approach can get you where you need to be. So in this scenario, more raising up would be done on the house side. Trust me, it can work.

Agree w/Tom for a compromise -- cut offending limbs off near the house.

I would leave it