Fir close to retaining wall

[globetrotter77]

Hi
I have a Douglas fir growing at the back of my garden about 30cm away from a retaining wall. The wall has developed a slight lean and is in need of repointing. It’s not 100% clear but the tree is probably to some extent to blame although I’m afraid I have let the brickwork get into bad condition. The other side of the wall drops about 6ft to an alleyway (about 4 foot of wall is retaining). The fir is approx. 35ft high (having been reduced by ten foot or so earlier this year after neighbours worried that it was swaying too wildly in their direction in storms). The brickie says he can repoint the wall with the tree in situ, and as I am rather attached to the tree and generally don’t like cutting things down, I am inclined to let him go ahead with this.

 

My question is this: with the tree reduced in height, is the root system still expanding? If so, then I guess that in repointing the wall with the tree still standing I am just delaying the inevitable and should go the whole hog and have the tree cut down.

 

But if the root system is likely to be as big as it will ever be, then I’ll keep the tree and strengthen the wall.

 

Many thanks for any suggestions, advice or stories of similar problems!

[Guest Gimlet]

I wouldn't do anything until the tree has gone and the stump is out. Then rebuild the section that's out of plumb on a new foundation.

 

I'd save the originals, clean them and reuse if they're sound enough. They'll be imperial and bigger than modern metric bricks so you'll never get new ones to match. If you're reducing the height you'll have surplus bricks to make up for breakages.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Gimlet

[globetrotter77]

4 minutes ago, Gimlet said:

I wouldn't do anything until the tree has gone and the stump is out. Then rebuild the section that's out of plumb on a new foundation.

Ok, sounds wise actually to see the state of it when the tree has gone. Thanks!