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August 2, 2008
Should we cut down our big tree?
We own a Brownstone in Brooklyn, with a large oak tree next to the stoop. We love the shade and beautification that it provides, but we are very nervous about the liability issues. We have had a few tree professionals look at at, and recently had it trimmed by Urban Arborists (who did a great job!). All of them said it's about 70 years old, but is much larger than it should be because it probably had tapped into some sort of underground water source, making it grow like crazy. It's quite health, but we are very nervous about the possibility of it falling down in a storm, like those trees in Bad Ridge a few months ago. Our neighbors all wish we would cut it, but we feel so torn about doing so. Any suggestions?
Comments
What did the arborist tell you? I'm no arborist but a healthy, 70 year-old oak will probably have very strong roots.
Do you mean all the oaks that fell down in Bay Ridge last year during that EF2 tornado?
Posted by: Steve at August 2, 2008 10:49 PM
I would love to have a tree like that in our yard. The only thing that would worry me is if the roots interfere with the sewer line. A friend had such a problem where their sewer line ruptured and it caused a ton of water damange.
Posted by: cornetor at August 3, 2008 10:59 AM
Please don't cut it down! A beautiful, healthy tree is worth its weight in gold- and it's a plus for the environment.Why not ask the arborist what's the best means to support or reinforce it in case of a major storm. And just keep it well trimmed and maintained. as steve says, it probably has a very strong root system if it's that healthy. Have you checked with your insurance company?
In the case of a major storm lots of things can get damaged or destroyed- you may as well tell people they can't keep their cars on the street in case the tornado tosses them into your living room, or remove light poles in case the wind knocks them over. I would hate to think what would happen if everyone decided to cut down their trees, and then what do we do about the ones that line the streets? We need more trees, not less- we're so concerned about the environment these days, and being "green." You might also want to check how the tree affects the heating and cooling of your house. I know with the huge trees in the back yard, my bedroom is always distinctly cooler in the summer than the front of the house.
Posted by: bxgrl at August 3, 2008 12:23 PM
NO! I cannot believe you'd even contemplate cutting down a *healthy* tree for no substantive reason. Oaks can live for several 100 years.
And you have neighbors who concur?! What benighted section of Brooklyn do you live in?
Posted by: cmu at August 3, 2008 1:20 PM
in the unlikely event it fell during a storm, it would be considered an act of God, and you would not be liable.
Posted by: AmberSantos at August 3, 2008 3:22 PM
If it's healthy, you have no reason to cut it down. YOu would only be liable if it were diseased. Moreover, a mature tree adds untold thousands of dollars in curb appeal to your house, and adds value to your neighbors houses as well. Cutting it would be a big mistake. Street trees also reduce cooling costs in the summer. Relax! If you're that worried about tornadoes, you should live in a missile silo.
Posted by: Frederick Law Homestead at August 3, 2008 6:11 PM
If liability issues are your major concern, it would be wiser to remove your stoop than your tree. Oaks have naturally deep tap roots, and destruction of a thriving, healthy, 70-year-old tree would be a crime. I'm having a hard time picturing how your neighbors made it known that they wanted the tree removed. Please read Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" before contemplating this issue further.
Posted by: vinca at August 3, 2008 8:24 PM
Thank you, thank you, to all of you fellow Brownstoners who posted on this subject. Everyone seems to say the same thing: DON'T cut down your tree!
Since we are a bit 'green' to the home-owner thing, I guess we were just feeling insecure about it from every angle. We are obviously just too paranoid, but just need to be sure to maintain it properly. Our neighbors will just have to get over it, and appreciate our tree for the beauty and protection that it provides...
Posted by: sedonie at August 4, 2008 12:47 PM
Wow, that's great.
It's often very difficult to judge the intent of internet posts, so I was not sure where your own sentiments lay.
Quite realistically, the liability issue can be very overplayed. I know everyone has their own level of risk-acceptance, so some people make decisions I would not. I do think, however, that if you can document it was healthy, there's nothing to worry about. I mean, there are people who think they can get sued if a neighbor kid comes into your yard and gets hurt falling off your tree. Given our legal system, I'm sure it's happened, but you have to put it in perspective.
Posted by: cmu at August 4, 2008 6:11 PM
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