Oak Tree in middle of Garden

Hi All

Im new to the forum so I hope Im posting this in the right place. I have moved into a new house and there is what I think is an oak tree in the middle of my relatively small garden. ( only reason way I say I think its an oak tree is because the leaves look a bit bigger than normal for an oak) The birds love it, there's lots of wildlife around it BUT ive been told by a couple of visitors to the house that the roots might kill my grass, might damage my house foundations etc and that it should be taken out - I dont really want to remove it but if it's going to cause problems in the long run then I guess I need to before it gets too big.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks

 

Welcome to GC Forums, Tilly

The "safe" distance from the house for an oak, according to this site, is 30mtrs.

Having stated that, I have an oak tree, on the kerb side outside my home only 7 mtrs away and another on the opposite side of the road: so, both less than 30mtrs The local authority come around every couple of years or so and give them a trim.

The real question to ask yourself is this: one what basis have your visitors drawn that conclusion? Is it merely their "opinion"; do they have some experience? Perhaps they are drawing on professional knowledge? Once you know where their advice stems from, you can then make a decision whether you to take their advice.

There are some very experienced forum members, who I hope will be along soon to pass on their wisdom.

 

Photo of the leaf might be useful. I have at least 3 tree with leaves like Oak leaves and none of them are Oak trees.

 

How big is it? If it is an Oak they grow slowly, so you might decide that its not going to be a problem for as long as you are in the property.

If you are planning to stay for more than 20 years then I guess you need to consider the longer term, regardless of whether its Oak or not.

Could easily have been self-sown if it is Oak (well ... squirrel-planted more likely!)