Remove trees close to house?

[Ben Sarafyan]

Hi! 

 

I would like to understand whether I need to remove or reduce two trees close to my house.

 

Some cracks have appeared in the wall, so my concern is they are caused by the trees in some way.

 

Tree 1: ornamental cherry around 8m tall and never been pruned.

Tree 2: a palm tree of some type around 3m tall.

 

Is there any way to assess what needs to be done / any understanding of whether these trees could be an issue to the house structure? 

 

It's a 1930s semi detached in the south west

 

Thanks

Ben

 

[Steven P]

I'd be tempted to take out the palm tree which will give more light to the garden and house, 

 

Might need more description of the cracks, are they just cosmetic - like plaster or is it the brickwork cracking

[Mick Dempsey]

The ‘palm tree’ is a trachycarpus, unlikely to be causing an issue.

 

Cherries do have long roots that sit just under the surface, often causing problems for mower blades.

I think I can see one going towards your house in the photo.

 

[Ben Sarafyan]

Yes there are some surface roots heading towards the house of the cherry tree, but not sure for far they extend. 

 

Cracks in the plaster are about 3mm width at the widest points, i might crack away the plaster so see if its in the wall itself. 

 

Can you cut back cherry trees to limit their growth or would i need to consider removal?

Edited May 13 by Ben Sarafyan

[Mick Dempsey]

I suppose it depends on what you explorations into the plaster reveals.

 

 

[oldwoodcutter]

I’d have that cherry right out Ben as the roots will only get worse, and get stump ground out .

The palms alright, unlikely to cause problems below ground.