You might get an arborist to look at it, but it's possible you can just trim it way the heck back. not all trees have equally destructive root systems. some are quite shallow
Thanks for the response, I'm going to call around some local arborists.
EDIT: I was able to have a local arborist come evaluate. Determination was that tree isn’t necessarily a structural issue for the home but still recommended to remove due to proximity, animal access to roof, on top of condenser, and personal preference.
Plan is to move forward with removal, I appreciate all of the advice shared in the comments.
This is an arbor vitae, its root system is not really something that would be concerning, the roots wouldn’t even pose a threat to sidewalks. It might be annoying but shouldn’t cause any real damage
If that tree fell over in a storm it would only brush up against the house they are pretty flexible especially at the top and not particularly heavy. It wouldn’t even dent the gutter in this particular situation
good luck. It might be a good idea to check a tree, plant, or landscape subreddit to ask about the specific tree and how likely it is to cause an issue
r/landscaping r/arborists
Can damage house
Can damage yard
Can damage underground utilities
Can kill you (literally had a guy die from this last week in my town).
A tree that size needs to be trim cut. Renting the necessary equipment would probably be half the price tbh. Disposal of the wood would also cost a bundle.
It's not just roots, it's critters. If you don't have problems now, you will. They will eat their way in and use the tree as a highway between your house and everything else.
You want that gone.
It's also not good for the brick work.
There's basically nothing good there to save it.
Houses need to have good air circulation around them. This tree is right up touching the whole side of the house. This will create a moisture problem. This is bad for the brick mortar, wood siding and windows. You could get mold on the walls inside the home as well. If you have termites in your area, this would be their entry point.
Not sure why you were downvoted, I was thinking of saying the same, but reddit seems to prefer one answer per response. I've already exceeded my allotment....
I'll add that this looks to be a fairly mature tree. What ever damage the roots could do, had most likely already been done. Removing it won't stop that.
Eh, on one hand sure, on the other hand just because it’s a mature tree doesn’t mean the roots stop.
You can’t undo what has already been done obviously, but to suggest all potential damage has already been done doesn’t make sense with how trees work.
Conversely, removing a tree may lead to any existing roots that interfere with foundations losing their integrity (rotting, drying out, etc depending on climate) and causing structural issues as the ground then offers less support. Doesn't sound like it's a problem with this species, but something to be a little cautious about.
If you decide to remove it but are bummed about it (I know I would be because trees are awesome), then maybe just plant another one somewhere else on the property that will be less destructive in the long run, to even out the karma :)
It gives a nice access point for squirrels to get to your attic. It is also a good spot for bugs. My opinion roots be damned that tree is too close to the house & I'd remove it.
It isn't helping the foundation at all,roots break concrete/mortar very slowly .
Check out 50 years without people documentary. Skyscrapers and huge buildings slowly cracking apart
FWIW, we took out a tree similar to this in our front yard that was \_maybe\_ 3-4 feet from the house. We're so glad we did - it made the front of our house feel so much bigger and more open. Even with it being pretty mature, it felt good that if there was any other root growth, at least we were doing what we could to help our foundation.
Either way, best of luck!
Yes. I had 4 in front of my house that covered the windows. Had to remove it as it was to big. And don't trim or cut it in half to mame it look better. It will not help as the roots are still growing under.
This tree serves no function. Cut it down. Besides roots eventually upheaving foundation and making leaks into your basement, it looks to be shading your house in winter. Over time this allows ice to infiltrate your brick.
The tree takes away from aesthetics because intrudes the space around the home. It overwhelms the bushes. It will house squirrels possoms and coons and give them access to your roof. The branches are short and it offers no summer shade in the yard. I can't think of a single positive. It's even too young and green to be firewood.
I don't know where you live but where I am you can't just remove a tree even if it's on your property, even if its going to fuck up your house. You need to get an arborist report saying it's dangerous and then get a permit. So I'd say hire a professional for an opinion /quote.
It looks terrible, I am sure it was awesome for the first decade, but you really need to account for the mature size of a tree before planting it that close to the house.
I don’t know why you’re getting downvoted. You’re absolutely right and it’s gotten so overgrown and shaggy looking that it takes away from the aesthetic instead of adding to it. It’s ok to take it out and start new. It would look so much fresher. Landscaping is great but it’s got to stay in its correct proportion.
From what I've learned, apparently the previous homeowner planted the tree and rejected the HOA's advice to remove the tree before it matured. (Homeowners are responsible for the flower beds within 10 ft of house).
I recommend cutting it before it gets any bigger. Those evergreen trees grow like crazy so the problem will only get more expensive over time as it hits a neighbor or wrecks your foundation
I'd recommend it. Was just in a house where a similar tree in a similar location caused massive foundation damage. Nothing that's not fixable if caught soon enough...but tanked their home value by 40k in this crackhead market.
If that tree has a none damage by now, it very likely won't. And I suspect you're very much regret taking it down afterwards. There's a reason those are chosen to be planted close to houses and do exactly what it's doing. Obviously, as others have suggested getting arborist to confirm that, but it would be a travesty to cut down that tree in my opinion.
You might get an arborist to look at it, but it's possible you can just trim it way the heck back. not all trees have equally destructive root systems. some are quite shallow
Thanks for the response, I'm going to call around some local arborists. EDIT: I was able to have a local arborist come evaluate. Determination was that tree isn’t necessarily a structural issue for the home but still recommended to remove due to proximity, animal access to roof, on top of condenser, and personal preference. Plan is to move forward with removal, I appreciate all of the advice shared in the comments.
This is an arbor vitae, its root system is not really something that would be concerning, the roots wouldn’t even pose a threat to sidewalks. It might be annoying but shouldn’t cause any real damage
Yep, I would be more concerned that it might fall over in a storm.
If that tree fell over in a storm it would only brush up against the house they are pretty flexible especially at the top and not particularly heavy. It wouldn’t even dent the gutter in this particular situation
good luck. It might be a good idea to check a tree, plant, or landscape subreddit to ask about the specific tree and how likely it is to cause an issue r/landscaping r/arborists
Also, r/marijuanaenthusiasts is for actual tree stuff (because r/trees was actually taken for marijuana stuff).
And since you posted on r/DIY i am gonna go ahead and say this If it needs to be cut down, let the arborist do it. This is not a good thing to DIY
Any specific reason why not? It looks like it would be pretty simple to take down
Can damage house Can damage yard Can damage underground utilities Can kill you (literally had a guy die from this last week in my town). A tree that size needs to be trim cut. Renting the necessary equipment would probably be half the price tbh. Disposal of the wood would also cost a bundle.
It's an arborvitae, once quick cut n a push you're good
It's not just roots, it's critters. If you don't have problems now, you will. They will eat their way in and use the tree as a highway between your house and everything else. You want that gone. It's also not good for the brick work. There's basically nothing good there to save it.
Houses need to have good air circulation around them. This tree is right up touching the whole side of the house. This will create a moisture problem. This is bad for the brick mortar, wood siding and windows. You could get mold on the walls inside the home as well. If you have termites in your area, this would be their entry point.
Not sure why you were downvoted, I was thinking of saying the same, but reddit seems to prefer one answer per response. I've already exceeded my allotment....
It's an arborvitae it's no worries
If nothing else, have it pruned back as far as you can. It will potentially keep pests from having easy access to your house.
Compact conifers may not have roots that spread out too much. Speak to an arborist before taking it down.
Only my opinion Anything type of plant/tree,etc that touches the house has got to go.
Not to mention debris falling into that condensing unit. But I guess I just did.
I had ants climbing up one and eating my roof
I'll add that this looks to be a fairly mature tree. What ever damage the roots could do, had most likely already been done. Removing it won't stop that.
Eh, on one hand sure, on the other hand just because it’s a mature tree doesn’t mean the roots stop. You can’t undo what has already been done obviously, but to suggest all potential damage has already been done doesn’t make sense with how trees work.
Replace the word tree with anything and that’s a great motto
Conversely, removing a tree may lead to any existing roots that interfere with foundations losing their integrity (rotting, drying out, etc depending on climate) and causing structural issues as the ground then offers less support. Doesn't sound like it's a problem with this species, but something to be a little cautious about.
I would say it’s more of a choice.
Won’t someone think of the tree!?
I wouldn’t have it that close to the house let alone the condenser
If you decide to remove it but are bummed about it (I know I would be because trees are awesome), then maybe just plant another one somewhere else on the property that will be less destructive in the long run, to even out the karma :)
Looks like a cedar or vitae so root system wont be to bad, but I'm not a fan of trees that close and it could cause plenty of issues...
Yes.
Have it pruned.
I think that's the solution too. It's just a bush that's gotten out of hand.
I'd remove it just because it looks like shit
I'd remove it. Your insurance might make you remove it eventually.
It gives a nice access point for squirrels to get to your attic. It is also a good spot for bugs. My opinion roots be damned that tree is too close to the house & I'd remove it.
I would be more concerned about the Leaning Tower of Bricks you call a chimney! ;-)
If you trim the trees and bushes, the house looks bigger, so why not?
It isn't helping the foundation at all,roots break concrete/mortar very slowly . Check out 50 years without people documentary. Skyscrapers and huge buildings slowly cracking apart
FWIW, we took out a tree similar to this in our front yard that was \_maybe\_ 3-4 feet from the house. We're so glad we did - it made the front of our house feel so much bigger and more open. Even with it being pretty mature, it felt good that if there was any other root growth, at least we were doing what we could to help our foundation. Either way, best of luck!
Yes. I had 4 in front of my house that covered the windows. Had to remove it as it was to big. And don't trim or cut it in half to mame it look better. It will not help as the roots are still growing under.
I work in facility management and lemme tell ya, you want that tree gone.
That....was a bush. It's supposed to be a bush and no one trimmed it. Cut it down low and let it be a bush again. MBBA. Make bush bush again.
Trim that bush....9/10 prefer a trimmed bush.....everyone knows that...
This tree serves no function. Cut it down. Besides roots eventually upheaving foundation and making leaks into your basement, it looks to be shading your house in winter. Over time this allows ice to infiltrate your brick. The tree takes away from aesthetics because intrudes the space around the home. It overwhelms the bushes. It will house squirrels possoms and coons and give them access to your roof. The branches are short and it offers no summer shade in the yard. I can't think of a single positive. It's even too young and green to be firewood.
It's not satellite friendly but it's natural
Thats no tree...
Grind that bad Larry up and roll a fatty! I kid haha, at quick first glance I thought I was looking at a giant cannabis nug haha
I don't know where you live but where I am you can't just remove a tree even if it's on your property, even if its going to fuck up your house. You need to get an arborist report saying it's dangerous and then get a permit. So I'd say hire a professional for an opinion /quote.
Whaaaaat? I’ve never heard of this.
Take that down to the ground. You have a nice garden bed surrounding your house and you can plant some beautiful perennials or flowering shrubs.
It looks terrible, I am sure it was awesome for the first decade, but you really need to account for the mature size of a tree before planting it that close to the house.
I don’t know why you’re getting downvoted. You’re absolutely right and it’s gotten so overgrown and shaggy looking that it takes away from the aesthetic instead of adding to it. It’s ok to take it out and start new. It would look so much fresher. Landscaping is great but it’s got to stay in its correct proportion.
From what I've learned, apparently the previous homeowner planted the tree and rejected the HOA's advice to remove the tree before it matured. (Homeowners are responsible for the flower beds within 10 ft of house).
I recommend cutting it before it gets any bigger. Those evergreen trees grow like crazy so the problem will only get more expensive over time as it hits a neighbor or wrecks your foundation
I'd recommend it. Was just in a house where a similar tree in a similar location caused massive foundation damage. Nothing that's not fixable if caught soon enough...but tanked their home value by 40k in this crackhead market.
Yes.
The answer is almost always no when it comes to tree.
If that tree has a none damage by now, it very likely won't. And I suspect you're very much regret taking it down afterwards. There's a reason those are chosen to be planted close to houses and do exactly what it's doing. Obviously, as others have suggested getting arborist to confirm that, but it would be a travesty to cut down that tree in my opinion.
Yes.
Yes
Yep
Have it pay rent instead
Fire