Should it stay or should it go now?

[djbobbins]

Reasons to get rid of it: Soil conditions? Risk of heave to the next door neighbour's house (which looks pretty close based on the photos showing the swing / climbing frame on the other side of the fence)?

 

Personally I would be in the "get rid" camp, replace with something else and stock up on hardwood for logs!

[ADB328]

I Say keep unless the wound is showing obvious signs of decay or fungus fruits in the stem/base over the Autumn. Its not big enough yet to be causing issues to neighbouring house and if its flushing well why get rid of it?

 

If the client is saying wants rid then the argument is mute none the less.

 

The other option is a pollard, it wont look prettty but will reduce root area Re:neighbours property. I did spot some kids play stuff in the next garden so i guess thats a consideration too.

 

Why take down a reasonably healthy tree?

[easy-lift guy]

Looking at the tree from a future stand point and a wound which the tree is really trying hard to recover from, I say remove and replace with another type away from the fence. If for no other reason becuse it is far to close to the fence and swing set.

elg