@lauralee Could you please post a photo with the whole tree in it? It's hard to evaluate without seeing the whole thing. Also add some from different angles?

Also, how much vegetation is there around in the neighborhood? It looks like the hills in back are scrappy high desert.

Your tree might be a very HIGH VALUE tree....

Having a tree would be good feng shui..... It's about so much more than placement; it brings shade, cleans your air, makes room for needy birds, adds liveliness and energy to your home.

Now that I look at the trunk...Is that a ponderosa? I sooooo wouldn't want to take down a ponderosa! It's standing sentry: taking care of you and your family. It's ancient and wise.

Ever read The Hidden Life of Trees?

If I were under it, that tree would be talking to me, and I haven't even seen the whole thing. You just might have found a new family member....

@tangerinedoor firstly, I love your name. I will go and snap some photos and post them so you may see her. She is large. I will also check out the book recommendation. As for Feng shui, because the tree is directly in front of the front door, it blocks chi from flowing evenly and easily into the home. The front door is the main opening of the home and should remain unobstructed, but it is true, trees add value as well....the dilemma!

Here is what I found on the subject of trees and feng shui:

The most common tree problems of Feng Shui, when the tree directly in front of the door. This effect can also serve as a block in terms of opportunities, prosperity and abundance. But wait, do not cut off! First, remove any branches that allow the flow of chi around as much as possible, the next to hang bells on the tree game is to help the chi around the tree. If you still do it over another wind chime directly to the front door and put a mirror or other reflective decorated by the front door that is essentially a reflection of the trees and challenging energy back away from the door! That should do the trick!

There are many ways that trees actually protects us. We all know that they offer shade and sustenance. But in terms of Feng Shui also offer a way to block provides poison arrows affect us. If there is something us across the road, the tree can be used directly pointing to prevent that energy. The trees also serve as a so-called "mountain support" in Feng Shui. The back of the home there is always something that is tall and supportive – ideally higher than in the home. Fences, neighbors homes, lights offer this support, but ideally tall trees can act strong defenders.

That tree is showering Chi down on your home from above. I think I wouldn't blame it for blocking Chi.

@kayozzy and I are aligned on the metaphor of a sentry that protects your home. Let it take care of you!

The Hidden Life of Trees is a marvelous book to me, at least. 3 pages in, and I was smitten. I had known for a while that trees talk to me, but after I read 3 pages, I knew I wasn't crazy or making it up.

Spend time under your tree. Sit in its lap. Look up at its branches. Watch how it moves. Notice how the needles attune themselves to you, if you talk to it. That tree is your guardian. I think I would have wanted to buy that house just for the tree!

The tree is providing your home with much needed shade. Don't remove it without a plan.

These pics were shot prior to garage door painting. But same home. :) the tree does provide some nice shade.

You should check with your local building jurisdiction to see if they will allow you to remove the tree and, if so, is there any recompense that must be made. In some jurisdiction you can remove a tree if you replant another in the same spot or elsewhere on your property.

I'm already prejudiced because that's a tree I can talk to. (I'm not kidding.). I would keep it no matter what. If you want confirmation, ask the tree!

@kayozzy Exactly. That tree is a beacon for the whole neighborhood. It's also probably worth thousands in property value.

A possibly ludicrous thought - move the front door to the left side wall. Free the chi.

Could you maybe find a different chi rule that would grant an exception to Ponderosa?

I hope you'll keep the tree.