Storm Proofing
But, I feel a bit guilty taking the poor sucker down  |
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Don't. 11% of the Earth is developed, (granted, much of the other is water, but there's still a lot undeveloped) so there are plenty more. Besides, if you feel that bad, plant a couple dozen on someone else's place. Then, not only will you have added to the tree count in the world, THEY'LL have to rake up the leaves!  Vance |
diane, don't know what your lot is like, but can you plant new ones away from the water and house? trees just saved our summer place from being destroyed by breaking up rushing water and debris. dad was a developer and always taught us too save as many standing trees as possible or to replace them strategically.  |
| I understand exactly how you feel. We spent a ton of money just 1 year ago to prune back our giant tree and that seems to have worked, but during Irene our weeping willows were just decimated and it'll certainly be another $1,500 to $2,000 to bring down what remains. It was soooo frightening to have the limbs hitting the house and breaking the door glass and hearing tons of the trees around the neighborhood, including mine, popping like gunfire. |
| we had a windy day on Monday nothing like what you have experienced though (thank you God. I would be so scared) At the bottom of our garden is a christmas tree the kids planted about 30 years ago. it has cones on it and if one hit you on the head you would really know about it. We would love it down but we have been quoted such high costs we cant afford it. |
| A 6 ton tree was partially up-rooted, twisted and then fell/leaned on my house about 12 years ago. It had been deemed healthy just a couple of months earlier. This was during a horrendous wind storm (wind speeds >80 mph) and thousands of trees in a 70 mile swath were dropped, often on power lines so no power for our area for a while. We were lucky that ours is a very sturdy older home, so aside from the gaping hole in the roof, no significant damage. I completely understand where you are coming from. My big regret is the loss of shade, which has made the bedroom on that side of the house less comfortable in the summer. Something to consider when you decide about which trees to eliminate. Getting rid of the dying tree is really a no-brainer, but if you are considering keeping the other tree, look into having it trimmed and pruned by a good arborist. Actually, the arborist could advise you about whether to keep it or take it down and if you want to replant, which species are best for your area, soil, etc. I have been postponing taking down a huge blue spruce that is planted (by previous owners) about 10 feet from my foundation. It's beautiful and home to many birds, but has grown large enough it is pressing against the house which is not healthy for my house. I hate to take it down, but really need to. No money (car repairs on both vehicles this week) so it's safe for a bit. |
| I have too many trees on my property.... some are older and well established and some are younger and ten years ago they seemed nice but now I feel like the house is just too dark all the time because they provide way too much shade. One in the front yard is concerning me now because the branches are touching the roof, eavestrough and very very close to windows. When the winter storms start blowing through I think it could do damage just from blowing around. |
Today was a very windy day. Not a real storm but just a windy, regular stormy day...The two tress in questions were blowing around and cracking...  They are both coming down. I was just talking it over with hubby and Dad who lives with us saying we can plant something smaller in their place...So sad...but got to do what I need to do...By the way Ron...my entire street was lined on both sides by Weeping willows. Looked FANTASTIC! We lost most of them in Hurricane Gloria years ago...the remaninig ones came down in this storm...One or two are left...Beautiful trees but not meant to be in water rooted soil! |
| Having been in the arborist field, I completely understand your concern. No tree can withstand saturated soils and high winds. Trees in urban situations do not have the benefit of the "forest" where the forest mass actually protects the trees. In an urban area trees spread far wider than they would naturally, adding more and more weight and wind resistance. Roots can not spread as far as they want do to obstructions: houses, walls, streets so you have a giant tree on a limited root systems. Roots should spread at least 2x and up to 6x the width of the tree. The roots don't go down, they go out. While I hate to see any "healthy" tree come down: 1. Even an arborist can miss internatl decay, compromised roots, improper branch attachment and cracks. 2. Even a healthy tree will come down when Nature is stronger. If there are structures, street (and passing cars) or other targets in the tree zone I'd either have an arborist do some crown thinning/reduction (which when done correctly can't been seen by most nonarborists) or consider a take down. While an arborist is in the tree they can do a much more detailed exam.....something not possible from the ground. I have three trees well within a target zone that should come down but like everyone else: money and appearance are holding me back. As replacements you can plant smaller trees which do not pose such a great risk, set them in safe zones and have them tended by professional arborists every few years. Just a little know fact.....at least here in arid country, early evening temperatures under a tree are higher than in areas not protected by the tree. Heat gets trapped under the canopy. So while you might be getting shade during the day, at night the temperatures are higher.......at least until you get an air mix, usually around 1-2 a.m. |
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