What is your take on this tree???

[ QUOTE ]
You first need to decided if the cut is within the statically relavent zone,

[/ QUOTE ] what is that? is there a reliable formula that applies to this species?[ QUOTE ]
if so then likely removal or severe reduction in height.

[/ QUOTE ]I don't think severe reduction would work on this species.
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
You first need to decided if the cut is within the statically relavent zone,

[/ QUOTE ] what is that? is there a reliable formula that applies to this species?[ QUOTE ]
if so then likely removal or severe reduction in height.

[/ QUOTE ]I don't think severe reduction would work on this species.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ummm, yeah, 'specially when there only appears to be live canopy in the upper 30-40 feet.

That tree looked to a removal candidate even before the root damage occurred.....
 
[ QUOTE ]


Ummm, yeah, 'specially when there only appears to be live canopy in the upper 30-40 feet.

That tree looked to a removal candidate even before the root damage occurred.....

[/ QUOTE ]

This is an interesting point. You find many trees, particularly conifers with an excurrent growth habit, to have the majority of the live foilage and branches in the upper portion of the tree. This is a natural occurance from lack of sunlight which causes lower branches to abort.

Although according to our equations, this would be considered a hazardous tree, when viewed in the context of it being surrounded by other trees in a forest environment, having extremely reduced exposure to winds and other environmental pressures, the tree could be deamed 'safe', realtively. However, that might also be species dependent. For example, monterey pines fall over in the forest all the time as they become older often due to poor soil/rooting issues and being 'top-heavy' from the pressures of growing in a forested environment.

In this situation, it doesn't look like the lower branches were removed by humans, and the tree is surrounded by other trees. Not sure if this area was thinned or how much this tree is exposed to winds. Knowing the area's history would be a big help in figuring out the hazard level of this tree.

jp
grin.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]

Although according to our equations, this would be considered a hazardous tree, when viewed in the context of it being surrounded by other trees in a forest environment, having extremely reduced exposure to winds and other environmental pressures, the tree could be deamed 'safe', realtively. Knowing the area's history would be a big help in figuring out the hazard level of this tree.


[/ QUOTE ]Good points. but with this partial view the tree still looks like toast.
 
The tree looked like it was growing pretty on par for the area as far as canopy in only the top 1/3. Hell, that is what you want in plantation settings. White pines are generally pretty stable from what I have seen, as said before, more likely for it to snap off. If it was in my yard though, it would be gone.
 
What is crazy is that someone actually cut those roots without first asking someone if the tree might fail . The guy who cut the roots should be the one paying for the removal. That is a tall tree to be cutting any roots. Take it down , build a bigger patio , maybe thats what the guy who cut it had in mind anyway. 2 k to take the tree down than charge 8k to build a bigger patio. Job.
 
In that situation, take it out.
pbj.gif


There would be too much risk waiting and seeing what would happen. Time would not be on their side. We all know what would eventually happen.

They just had to get concrete.
bangtard.gif
 
looks like it has some windbreak help from the neighborhood trees around it. I personally would take the time to trace/uncover the other buttress roots before going through the struggle to remove...especially if it is to be climbed. If I could un-earth at least three others I would feel pretty good. However, an easy way to justify removal would be to concentrate on how much the surrounding trees would appreciate some more sunlight. Maybe they won't grow up all legs like their bro'.
 
Too bad this is in hindsight. Got to hold the person who designed this responsible. It is they that put forward the concept of putting the concrete pad well within the root zone. It would seem that too many architects, designers and contractors have no idea about trees and their root systems. It's a no brainer that roots would be compromised and with a tree that size it would not be a good situation in the long run.

First step would be to find out how important it is to the owner to keep the tree. This would determine the extent of analysis you could perform to determine whether the tree is stable, hollow, other defects, etc.... If they are willing to spend some money for a definitive answer then great if not then the only answer may be to remove it as the defect will eventually be the undoing of this tree.
 
Ok, so I talked to the contractor today. I asked why they needed to put a full concrete pad (instead of just post footers). He said that the home owner wants to put in these stone steps...and that why the big pad. He was concerned about cutting that large of root, but did it anyways. I doubt he suggested to the home owner to change his plans.

BTW- I told him the tree should be removed. Now I just need to get a price together. Oh, and make sure it is actually on the home owners property. It is going to be big trouble if it is on the Boro's property. Since they really like their trees. I kinda think it is on Boro property (and that the home owner didnt like the tree before hand...maybe root damage somewhat intentional).

As for the comment of green only being in the top of the tree. That is pretty typical with the Eastern white pines in this area. It is basically woods, with houses build around them. So, the tree go straight up and lower limbs die off. Also, I had said earlier that alot of the limbs got broken off in a ice storm.
 
[ QUOTE ]


As for the comment of green only being in the top of the tree. That is pretty typical with the Eastern white pines in this area. It is basically woods, with houses build around them. So, the tree go straight up and lower limbs die off. Also, I had said earlier that alot of the limbs got broken off in a ice storm.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you ever worry about removing individual trees like this one, when in a forested environment. Does it open up the other trees around it to new exposures to winds (from severe storms or other)? Just curious if that is adding risk to those other trees now that this one needs to be removed?

jp
grin.gif
 
I agree with surf does this open up a whole new can of problem areas.I just ran into the same deal when a client had an area logged out and now has a direct force of wind hitting their trees now.
Nate
 
A update on this tree

I talked to the construction guy the other day...He says that the home owner has decidd not to remove the tree. He was quite shocked, and is planning on getting them to sign paperwork stating that they been informed and chose not to act.

He doesnt want it to fall and cause injury or damage, and then have it come back on him for cutting the root. Since he recommended removing the tree (and most of us did to) and the home owner decided to leave it.
 
This tree doesn't need any extra testing to tell you what you need to know. It is very tall & very close to the target, I mean house. Limited rooting area by foundation & rock wall & street, etc... Now a big structural holding root has been severed.

This tree needs to removed, or if possible reduced severely in height & treat with Cambistat.

Plain & Simple.
 
Have you considered cabling it into other trees in case it should fall. A number of 4 or 8 tonne Cobra cables may just hang the tree up if it does topple.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Have you considered cabling it into other trees in case it should fall. A number of 4 or 8 tonne Cobra cables may just hang the tree up if it does topple.

[/ QUOTE ]Judging by the building it does not look like there is that kind of budget available. Sounds more expensive than the whole patio that started this mess.
mad.gif
 
How tall is this tree compared to the other trees in the immediate vacinity? This may give you a better idea of how much the winds will play a factor. How does this tree compare to the others? Are there many more that compare to its size? I'm thinking about the sail of the canopy and thinking about the picture of the wind pattern you drew.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom