Exactly what is this.

[Luckyguy]

Exactly what is this and how would you trim it without killing it. I was thinking it just had to come completely down but was wondering if there was a safe way to thin it out or trim it off the house and not kill it. View media item 242View media item 241

 

[Treezybreez]

I for one am not able to view the pics. It is giving me an Error message.

 

[Luckyguy]

I for one am not able to view the pics. It is giving me an Error message.

OK tried to use another upload. How about now

 

[cerviarborist]

My quick guess is
Platycladus orientalis (Oriental Arborvitae). What objective(s) do you wish to achieve by "pruning it off of the house"?

They are very slow growing. It is entirely possible that that tree has been there as long as the house.

 

[Luckyguy]

Just so it's not on the house anymore for damaging reasons. And to thin it out so it's not so big and more presentable

 

[tomthetreeman]

Big favorites in cemeteries, no joke. Super slow growing, predictable plant. Prune back no more than 30% live material (per branch) with hand pruners once every 20 years whether you need to or not LOL.

Tom