What seems right for you area? I've seen several with bears or eagles near us.

Cut it down, stump grind to kill the roots and do your totem pole on a rock plinth. Pine will rot in a hurry, so oil the ever lovin' p out of it.

That trunk could be cut into amazing side tables! If you have them cut to varying heights you can use them as:
1. planter stands
2. driveway markers
3. pavers in the ground
4. side tables
Realize that over time they will indeed rot (unless you leave them to "cure" and then bring them indoors) but life is ephemeral but can be pretty while it lasts.

Shame it has to go ! But I think you will enjoy so much more daylight in your home when it's gone !

I'm glad Kevin stepped in with that comment...I don't see it either but am too wishy washy when it comes to your personal taste.

I'm just trying to keep America beautiful. lol And the home owners proud.

I agree w/Keviin......

Agree with Kevin..A carved figure would look better near a rustic home.

it's so sad to take down trees. we had to take down a maple. i couldn't even be here when it was done because i was so upset about it. the roots were growing into the sewer lines (it's a long icky story) and the sap was all over the front of the house, including lots of louvers..it should never have been planted where it grew. Maybe you can find a spot to plant some flowering bushes or trees that will not interfere with your driveway?

Does anyone know if those root barriers can be installed and/or if they work on such a large tree?

Appreciate the comments. I agree it would be better out in the back yard, but the tree is in the front, and moving the log would be difficult. I was thinking of eagles or owls, and planting flowers around it. I think we could make it look good enough. I'm hoping the HOA would not object (they gave permission to cut it down).

Kevin I want to be your BFF! Lol

Is there anything else like that in your area? Hate to be a killjoy but I know I would object. Its one thing giving permission for the tree to come down but another giving permission for a totem pole.

We unfortunately lost multiple trees at once. I had them made into a balance beam for the backyard. It's very popular with the kids.

I've seen trees like this cut down to about 2-3 feet, and then the inside hollowed out and beautiful, colorful flowers planted inside, maybe you could think of doing that?

Any chance you would want to research saving the tree by adding a root barrier?

What area do you live Cheryl? The ones I've seen in our area are in parks, or by more rustic homes..Colorado

Ok that's cool Jayme.

IDK if it's feasible to do on a mature tree..I am researching...I love trees.

ROOTS AND PAVEMENT

If trees are too close to pavement, or if compacted soil forces large roots to grow very near the soil surface, roots can eventually lift pavement. When roots encounter a paved area, the only entry is often a gap between the soil and pavement. Future problems can be prevented at the time of planting by using smaller plants, providing a minimum distance of 4 feet between the tree and the pavement, or using mechanical barriers to prevent roots from growing under the pavement. Remedies for lifted pavements around mature trees often involve either moving the pavement away from the tree or pruning off the problem roots. Barriers are often installed after the roots are cut to prevent re-growth of the roots and recurrence of the pavement lifting. Cutting off the problem roots often causes stress and instability. Trees without sufficient root support can be blown over more easily in a storm.

Tree is down, Sunday we have Dave coming out to carve a perched eagle. I'll post a picture when he's done. The neighborhood has an Eagle preserve, and with the proper landscaping, I think this will be sharp.

We have an eagle. I think it turned out better than many thought.

Just needs some plants.

WOW!!!

Birds of prey know they're cool!

Cool!

Sorry, but Kevin was correct. The style of your lovely home clashes with a rustic eagle sculpture. If I lived across the street from you, I wouldn't want to look at that eagle every day.

Not a decorator but I love it. Always enjoy seeing carvings when I'm out and about. Beautiful!

Sharlowm, if you lived across the street from me, I wouldn't want to look at you either! They took a problem tree and made into a beautiful piece of art. You're prolly one of those HOA neighbors that reports things on other neighbors and gets great joy from it. It's called, TURNING YOUR HEAD! if you're driving, your not supposed to be looking at other homes anyways, eyes on the road ppl! Now as far as living across the street, you can always sell and move! It's their tree, their property and it does not have one thing to do with your emotions or feelings. -Admin

I’m sure everyone is used to the sculpture by now, especially since it was eight years ago, almost to the day. I enjoy reading these passionate outbursts 😂. Enjoy the day!

They loved it, even made the newsletter. So many complements until it finally succumbed to rot from the inside. We really miss it and I am still working at changing the landscape around it.

Oh Cheryl... my husband and I just read this whole thread

Your eagle was amazing.. we were devastated to read that it succumbed to rot. We just had a huge pine taken down yesterday in our front yard but left a 10.5ft stump to have this made...(in photo.) But we are so saddened to learn that it will rot away