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devinpratt

When Is a Large Tree Too Close to House?

5 years ago

We have a number of very large oak trees around our house. They’re beautiful but huge and within feet of the house. They could easily do some serious damage. I’m so torn about having them removed. I love that they are here but I know they could cause disastrous damage. Would love to get some feedback from anyone who had been in a similar situation. Would you have these removed?

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Comments (12)

  • 5 years ago

    Another vote for take out ONLY if they are diseased and possibly may fall in your life time. It is a give they will fall in their life time ;-)

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    The trees are fine. You have insurance.

  • 5 years ago

    My house when I was in Virginia. I never worried about it, tho leaves and acorns in the gutters was a nuisance.






  • 5 years ago

    Call a certified Arborist. (Davey Tree is an internationally recognized company with branches in many urban areas.). Have them come and look at your trees and assess their health. They might suggest judicious pruning of some that lean over your home. Removal of those that are unhealthy. And maintenance of those that are in healthy condition. Just because a tree is close to your home doesn’t mean it is a risk. Nor does it mean that their roots are potentially hazardous to your structure. Keep your trees healthy. They will reduce your heating bills in the summer and protect you from winter storms. Yes, they can be messy. But you can develop a garden beneath them that compliments them. Don’t fight nature! Embrace it!

  • 5 years ago

    (Davey Tree is an internationally recognized company with branches in many urban areas.


    ==>>> pun intended??? .. lol


    yes pay money for an onsite inspection and opinion.. [and when davey is donet.. they will leave ...]


    and dont rely on total strangers on the web ... for this type of risk liability ...


    the group is the ISA .. and any of their peeps will do .. of which davey is one ... add your city to the search below


    ken


    https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffcm&q=ISA+Board+Certified+Master+Arborist&ia=web

  • 5 years ago

    I‘d definitely be consulting an arborist.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Get an arborist to review and remove the ones that pose the most risk to the house. That may not be the closest ones. An arborist can advise.

    Having had a tree crash on my roof, I can tell you it's not fun. Yes, insurance will pay but what a hassle. I was on the phone when it happened. There was a loud, loud thud, the whole house shook. Before I could say anything, the person on the other end of the phone said, "You'd better go if you're still there." It was a scary moment.

    After many insurance claims, blue tarps, and construction to rebuild the entire roof and rafters and repair interior sheet rock where tree branches had broken through, refinish hardwood floors because of the water damage from the rain coming in before the big tarp could be in place, all is good but I did remove a lot more trees after that. Oh, I forgot about the deck repair needed because on its way down, the big tree brought a few smaller friends with it that were closer to the house and they took out part of the deck.

    Your trees are competing for sunlight in the photos. You don't need them all. Remove some and the remaining others will thrive. You won't miss them.

    Some thoughts on why oak trees fall over.

    https://homeguides.sfgate.com/warning-signs-leaning-oak-trees-86966.html

  • 5 years ago

    My nature loving brain is in a tug-o-war with my practical one over tree removal. But trees are like weeds that just keep growing and are easier to take down sooner than waiting for 10 more years. I feel like yours are unfortunately too close to the structure.


    Not sure if wildfires are an issue in your area but our community is really emphasizing looking after property so that it is "FireSmart" https://www.firesmartcanada.ca.

  • 5 years ago

    Ken of Adrian….Yes, pun WAS intended! 😉 And, BTW, Davey’s roots are in my home town of Kent, OH. 😉 😉

  • 5 years ago

    ugggh... lol ..


    give me a minute .... hum the theme to jeopardy ....


    so close you could bark at them .... lumber over there ... lol.. two for one ....


    btw.. OP .. not every guy with a chainsaw is an arborist ... go big or stay home ...


    ken



  • 5 years ago

    Its time you two leaf this alone.

    tj