Hello, I have a chestnut tree in my back yard. The fence and deck were built around the tree. It is 54 inches in circumference and approx. 7ft from the corner of the house. My townhouse strata council wants to remove it because they contend it is a potential invasive threat to the foundation. They have indicated that they will first prune it this fall (for health reasons) and then, later on, discuss a plan for removing it. I am deeply distressed by this development. The tree is healthy and provides a wonderful canopy which shades the yard in the afternoon and evening. What can I do? Is there a way I can demonstrate that the tree doesn't need to be removed? Is there tell-tale signs that it is damaging the foundation? Does it really need to be pruned? Any info (either way) would help me greatly. Peace, AT
If it was 54" in diameter, I might me concered. At 54" in circumference, I'd barely be concerned right now. If the building is 2 stories or more worth of weight - with no basement, I'd feel even better about the tree. 7' is a bit close, but hopefully, they hire an arborist instead of trying to guess by themselves. If they have to take the road of "eventually", an arborist can let them know when "eventually" should be.
Thanks Jimmy Q... It's been a task to get started here, but we are "pluggin-along". I was going to quit the tree trade for sales work. After a month, my body ached worse from no physical work than it did from tree and landscape work. So I started business again last autumn. It's quite the undertaking to go from a 600 customer base, to a 0 customer base while the bills remain at 100%. But this area has shown 400% greater repeat and referrals than in Portland's west suburbs, so that's helped. It's nice to visit this forum again. It's really unique. Too bad that more people don't know about it.
