Weeping willow advice

[nipski]

I have been to see a possible dismantle of a mature weeping willow. Apart from some dead wood it looks fine. I would say it is approx. 3-4 foot dbh,is 50' and nearing its life cycle. There is no obvious sign of disease. The customers concern is that it will die and fall onto the house hence They want it dismantled. I have suggested to hit it back hard as the close proximity to the property ( 8m) could lead to ground shrinkage due to the root system. Or am I just prelonging the inevitable? Your considered thoughts please.

[Le Sanglier]

The two factors are heave and subsidence and I think you're confusing the two. By removing the tree you will subject the soil to more water as it won't be taken up by the tree. This could cause "lift" or other problems

As it stands the tree could cause subsidence by drying the soil and cracking the building.

All depends on soil type. Staged removal is an option but a lot of people think it's pointless.

Plenty of threads on here about it. Use the search bar:001_smile:

[Eddy_t]

The two factors are heave and subsidence and I think you're confusing the two. By removing the tree you will subject the soil to more water as it won't be taken up by the tree. This could cause "lift" or other problems

As it stands the tree could cause subsidence by drying the soil and cracking the building.

All depends on soil type. Staged removal is an option but a lot of people think it's pointless.

Plenty of threads on here about it. Use the search bar:001_smile:

 

Willow won't make much difference in that effect, it's generally a wetter area preferring tree, so the soil is pretty moist anyway, and it isn't one of the trees that suck up all the ground water

 

 

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[nipski]

It is sitting in Wealden clay in kent on a hill running away from the house so I wouldn't think swelling would be a factor.

[Eddy_t]

It is sitting in Wealden clay in kent on a hill running away from the house so I wouldn't think swelling would be a factor.

 

Won't make a jot of difference

 

 

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[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

Has there been any history of subsidence damage at the property?

Is the tree older than the property?

Are the clients worried about subsidence/heave?

[nipski]

Has there been any history of subsidence damage at the property?

Is the tree older than the property?

Are the clients worried about subsidence/heave?

 

The house is older by a long chalk and no evidence of any structural problems. I told the customer I would seek further advice before dismantling as It is not as straight forward as just cutting the tree down and explained what May or may not happen. As many different view points as possible creates a better picture.

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

Given your answers, I would suggest that there is no risk of damage from heave resulting from tree removal.

I would go ahead and remove it.

It is a species that will respond well to heavy pruning, but you have to consider the strength of attachment of any new growth that develops and the potential for decay at the sites of large pruning wounds + the 'targets'. Also what are the costs associated with removal as opposed reduction and repeat visits to manage regrowth? Are you representing your clients best interests?

You really need to weigh all this up before making your final recommendation.

Hope this helps

[Arborist]

I think that heave is only a problem if the tree was there before the house and is growing on a shrinkable clay.

 

http://landscape-masonry.co.uk/pdf/layout%204-2.pdf

[nipski]

Given your answers, I would suggest that there is no risk of damage from heave resulting from tree removal.

I would go ahead and remove it.

It is a species that will respond well to heavy pruning, but you have to consider the strength of attachment of any new growth that develops and the potential for decay at the sites of large pruning wounds + the 'targets'. Also what are the costs associated with removal as opposed reduction and repeat visits to manage regrowth? Are you representing your clients best interests?

You really need to weigh all this up before making your final recommendation.

Hope this helps

 

thank you. the cost of heavy pruning is pretty much the same as complete removal less the grinder. the customer wants it out so a dismantle look likely.