Atlas Cedar tree work advice

[Kinger2702]

I need some advice on quite a large Atlas Cedar.

 

I have a client who is a bit worried about the Cedar potentially failing or the roots causing damage to their house or neighbouring buildings. It is exposed to the wind but also fairly sheltered and also some fissures from bifurcations. There is also a main water pipe underground which runs between the tree and the house. It has been topped previously by another company, i’m just wondering whether to keep maintaining it with end-weight reductions. It’s obviously difficult it reduce it back quite hard and back to good growth points whilst trying to keep a good crown shape and it would be a shame to bring it down.

 

I’ll add some photos below, keen to have a second opinion on the best course of action for the tree. Ideally just keep on with tip reductions but would it be enough? The client doesn’t particularly want the tree to go, but would rather prevent any future predicaments.

 

Many thanks.

[Dan Maynard]

Personally I'd do the minimum possible, they grow back funny when cut hard. If it's going to break and you think that's a serious risk then unlikely you can reduce it enough to stop that happening.

 

Once it starts cracking it will probably drop great chunks. Less likely to fall over whole, although that big one in London shows it's not totally impossible.

[Mick Dempsey]

It already has been cut back hard if you look at the photos. Topping cuts at 20cm minimum.

 

I would just trim back the regrowth.

If they’re really concerned throw in some cobra bracing to catch any fork failures.

When I say ‘I’ I mean I wouldn’t do it myself cos it’s a ballache, but it’s doable.

I’d only consider removal, but someone who is more customer orientated could certainly make a decent job of it.
 

Can’t opine on the roots.

Edited 17 hours ago by Mick Dempsey

[AJStrees]

that tree will get huge in some more years. Can't see the need for a blue cedar in a small garden. The tree is too big for its boots in this case. Although it could sound tasteless. I agree with Mick and would only remove it. In the right place they are beautiful big trees. In someones back garden I would say wrong tree. IMHO. But I am no expert. One will have to regularly keep it pruned back to stop overgrowth, but what is the point with such a fast growing tree.

 

A row of rowan trees or something garden like would surely be more beneficial for the garden. Just my opinion and nothing more. 👍

[Mark Bolam]

I’m sure someone could do something with it, but the someone isn’t me.

 

This is me dealing with domestic customers who have park or forest trees in tiny gardens -

 

 

[Dan Maynard]

I had this thought earlier, currently working away staying in a hotel in former stately home and there are some lovely cedars in the grounds that have never been cut. Huge.

 

If you quote for tip reduction then make it clear it's going to need redoing in a few years and every few years thereafter.