Problem Sycamore tree...?

Trachycarpus and cordyline Bayleaf, got some about 15ft from the house.

 

mmmmmm - looks like me may have more of a problem than just needing to get it pruned then, if that distance chart is is anything to go by!

I think we'll get the experts round pretty sharpish and see what they say - although I know the tree was well looked after by the previous owners (they had it pruned yearly) so surely it was given the OK to be so close to the house :confused:

Thanks for all the replies so far, I'll let you know how we get on.

cheers

 

Yikes, the one at my Mum's is only about 5m from the house and only about 1m from the lean-to shed at the side, and it's never been pruned! :eek:

 

Pete - Cordyline & Trachycarpus fine to within 6 feet as long as they have at least 10 x 10 foot of soil to explore in another direction - roots fibrous so not as likely to cause much damage. Lovely easygoing trees!

 

Thanks Bayleaf, I thought it would be OK but you've set my mind at rest

 

Thought I'd update you all since my earlier post!

We're having a survey done on the tree this weekend (by a local tree surgeon) so we should find out next week exactly what risks there are with us having the tree. We can then decide what we do with it. I'd like to keep it (as it attracts wildlife) but if it's going to cause problems with the house, then it will have to go!

And just think of the lovely garden benches we can make out of all that wood!

 

Good luck Ellgee!
If you do decide to get rid, think of it as an opportunity to plant a more appropriate tree, Fran's lilac would be ideal or Amelanchier lamarkii or A laevis (white blossom spring, coppery new growth, edible black berries, fiery autumn colour + slow growing & not invasive), or plant further out & your choice broadens to wildlife attracting species such as birch or rowan. The sycamore was only introduced here in the 15th or 16th century, so is not truly a native. + sycamore wood is very good for carving (are you sensing a theme here..... )

 

Well we got the tree survey done and the report came back with the following points:

"It's 15-18m high, and has been crown raised to 6-8m;
It's in early maturity (between one and two thirds expected height);
The trunk is 350-400mm diameter at 1m high;
The roots are in good condition and spread around 6m;
The tree is in good condition with no signs of disease or damage;
It's 5m from the house, not too close and will not necessarily cause damage.

However: due to the species type and eventual size it is recommended taht the tree is removed and replaced with a more suitable type for the site and situation."

I'm sending the report off to our insurers today - hopefully they won't put our policy up in price (as the report says there is no risk of damage by the tree).
We now have to decide whether or not we get it removed and replaced by something more suitable. It's looking likely to be honest, as it's not the most attractive of trees due to the way it's been crowned.

I think we'll be trudging round a few garden centres this weekend to see what's available!

 

Heard back from the insurers today - they want us to have the tree removed!
That came as a bit of a suprise -even though we'd sort of decided we were going to get it cut down anyway - they are saying we must get it done in the next three months, or our insurance will become invalid!

I guess this is just from the one comment on the report recommending that it is removed and replaced with something more suitable.

Oh well, off to buy an axe....

 

Thanks Bayleaf - I love my lilac as do the birds who feed on its seeds - and I would be very loath to remove it.