Those things are as tough as nails. What do you have to lose? If it were me I'd start chopping...

i hope you mean you will hire a professional .... because of what can be damaged when it falls...

and yes.. its time to go ...

i dont think there is any way to remove the roots under the pavement.. if that is what you mean ...

the stump will either have to be ground out.. or a stump killer will need to be used ... most trees do not die.. simply because they are cut down ... and with that giant root mass.. will regrow very fast ...

ken

Or you could replace the walk with a new one at a higher level.

No, it won't be me doing the chopping. I know the inevitable is coming, but just looking for some confirmation, one way or the other. If we do have it removed, I would like to replace it with another tree. but preferably further away from the garage. Any suggestions? We're in Alhambra, NE of LA, close to Pasadena. Any suggestions for a good shade tree with little maintenance? God know's I've cleaned up my share of pepper corns and branches.

If you cut it down you're going to lose the debris but you're also going to lose the shade.

Yes, that's why I'm asking for recommendation on a replacement shade tree. Preferably, and evergreen that does well in our zone. thanks.

Lophostemnon confertus is worth considering. It is best to have a skilled professional shape for good structure it when it is young. but its fairly well behaved in most respects.

Since you are in Alhambra you might visit the nearby Huntington or LA Arboretum and have a look at the many different mature trees there to see what you like, then do further research on the ones that appeal to you.

Cal Poly's website Selectree is useful for researching trees for California. One of the criteria you can search on is Root Damage Potential.

You realize of course that the replacement tree is not going to provide nearly the amount of shade as the existing tree is for many years, right?