I always feel bad about taking out a perfectly healthy tree but have done it on occasion.

We removed two enormous Paulownia trees from our suburban front yard immediately upon taking possession of the house- they were simply wrong. I also had a hemlock taken out that was shading/overpowering the driveway, and a silver maple that had been sited much too close to the house.

Since then the only trees I have had removed were those in decline or dead, but if I had a good reason I would do it again. We do make use of them for firewood if the species is appropriate.

Your yard, your call unless you have municipal ordinances against tree removal which I understand many areas now have. Think it over carefully, though- those old oaks are a treasure and it will take years for anything else to acquire such presence. And it's plenty expensive, too.

I'm going to have someone stop out and give me an estimate on trimming or taking down.

It's not huge yet...maybe 40 ft tall. It serves me no purpose in the back corner - I get plenty of afternoon shade from my neighbors unkempt trees (which irritate me to no end).

Plus it's next to the wires...so I need to figure out what will be better in the long run. Taking it down or maintenance on it. If I knew it wouldn't get any taller, I'd probably let it stay. But if it gets massive, it's just going to eventually be a problem.

One thing to consider Michelle-I do not believe those costs
(of maintenance) on the tree will be yours. Line-clearance contractors typically work for the power company so to you-Mr. or Mrs. Homeowner, there would be no cost to clear the lines, etc.

I've called my power company in the past about my neighbors trees...they normally only cut limbs if they are in contact with the wires. Mine are not in contact (yet). They do some trimming on a schedule...I think my area is next year. But they only trim the limbs near/on the wires. My tree does need an 'all around' trim anyway if I do decide to not cut it down.