I like how it looks and unless I spent time playing in the grass, I'd prioritize the tree. See what you can plant in the area instead of grass. It's a lovely setting.

I like how it looks too! But I want grass. The roots of the oak make it almost impossible to plant anything around it. I have bare spots that have erosion and roots are exposed. I do have kids that play outside in the yard.

I would definitely keep it. It looks healthy and quite lovely. To hop on my environmental soapbox, trees that size sequester carbon and provide shelter and food for all sorts of species, especially if it is a native oak. Lawns are sterile and require much more care and money to maintain. If you have pets or children, I would advise avoiding both perstidides and herbicides which most people seem to use to keep their grass looking the way they like it. I would add some native plants (perennials, shrubs, whatever you like) between the tree and your walkway and if you like gardening, extend the bed down along the driveway. I would even add a flowering native tree!

You have a very pretty home and lot. Btw, trees actually add value to your property! We have lots of trees on our half-acre. Haven't had to turn on the AC yet. Our neighbors cut down all their large oaks when they moved in and the sun just beats down on their house. The more natives we plant, the healthier the planet.

Hard to tell what they tree is, but it's likely not an oak. It's a lovely tree and there is no need to cut it. Just plant a good ground cover around it that likes shade--Geranium macrorrhizum, Liatris spicata, Epimediums. You still have plenty of grass.

Other than shade, IMO it does not enhance your house.

If you are in a hurricane area, as I am on Cape Cod, I would remove the tree. Should it fall and damage the house, your insurance may not cover the expense... You could replant with something else which won't grow as tall.

https://dengarden.com/landscaping/SmallTreesforaSmallYardorGardenTreesUnderThirtyFeetTall

Venus® Dogwood Tree

The tree’s canopy looks like it has grown into the tree (2 trees?) to the left of it. Due to proximity to house/other tree(s), consider removing it as it doesn’t enhance your house (aside from shade) imo. If there are 2 trees right next to each other on the left side, also consider taking down the one on the right as it is leaning/not developing a good canopy. Consider planting 2 smaller ornamental trees along the road to offset taking the tree down.

In any big storm, that tree presents a danger. A storm zoomed through areas north of Metropolitan HOUSTON yesterday. Here’s what might happen to you. Massive home damage. There might be other trees near your home that need removal too. We love our trees but they can cause enormous harm too.

Good grief, you can't live your life in fear of what might, could, possibly, happen ! Enjoy your tree, plant some ground cover around it as laceyveil suggested, and get on with your life.

You don’t have to live in fear but since I too live in hurricane area, it is just smart to take care of trees that could cause damage or worse in these areas. Good annual trimming to keep the mass of the tree more open and less subject to winds is also smart. Just good tree management.

You can have grass or trees. Have to decide which is more important to you. I'd always go for trees.

Take it out an plant a dogwood. The house is lovely, and the tree detracts just a bit from the overall appearance.

Remove it, it is not adding anthing to your home.

i love trees, however, if it were my house i would remove it. i’m not crazy about it’s location. BTW … I love your front porch ( from what little I can see ).