maple trees

[JHZR2]

Hello,

We have a sugar maple between our and the neighbor's homes, which are maybe 25 ft apart. The maple is on our side.

It has gotten high enough to be above gutter height on our homes, which are 2-story dwellings with walk-up attics.

I have two concerns - the shallow roots harming the foundations and lawns (not worried about grass, and there are no piping systems between the two homes), and the strength of the Maple and its risk for damage.

Given the proximity of the homes, is it just smart to remove it? I am noticing that the gutter there is beginning to get clogged. I am also worried that we will have to constantly be trimming he tree to keep it away from the homes. That would seem to equal $$$.

The tree is maybe 6" in diameter currently, and no branch is that big. Any thoughts on the cost to remove such a tree?

Also, we have holly trees along that side of our yard. I don't mind the hollies, and would consider them or something similar, that would grow to slightly higher than a second-story window. Any suggestions? Hemlocks perhaps?

Thanks!

 

[greenaccord02]

In NJ, I have no Idea. Down here in Texas you'd have to get a team of some decent tree guys with the proper equipment. I'd think it would cost about $2500-3500 for takedown, removal, and they might throw in stump grinding (usually $200-300). When you look for guys you need to make sure they are BONDED AND INSURED and you have a copy of that paperwork. If they won't provide it, hang up the phone.

It's higher than just taking a tree down because guys will have to climb up there and tie ropes around each branch, then cut them loose and have the guys on the ground lower each. It might take a couple of days. Or they might bring a crane, I've seen that, too. Either way, it's not cheap.

That's Texas prices, I have no idea what it goes for up there. I've only had to price it here.

Save some of that wood if you have a smoker, it's great for that.

 

[Gary Allan]

6" in diameter? How tall could it possibly be? How heavy could it possibly be? We had a larger section of an, at least, 80 year old tree break off in a wind storm. The branches were bigger than 6" in diameter. The lighter growth cushions the landing. The neighbor got it all taken care of for under a grand. The whole tree, not just the part that landed on my house.

Do get someone with insurance .and get a copy of it in writing.

 

[greenaccord02]

OH, I didn't see the 6" part. I'd get a chainsaw and do it myself. I was thinking something really big. I guess I had poor reading comprehension - I was thinking 6" branches. If you really want somebody else to do it, I wouldn't pay more than $500-750 completely removed and hauled away.

 

[labman]

Silver maples are a bad idea. Get rid of it while it is still cheap. Go for a low price. The worse that could happen with such a small tree would be to break a window.

I would dig around roots with a drain spade and cut them off with a recip saw. Then pull it over with a truck.

Don't plant hemlocks anywhere near a building. Most of them eventually get huge.

 

[crinkles]

i would tie a rope to pull it into the direction i want it to fall, then do the cutting myself.
Cut the wood up to burn int he fireplace. rent a trailer to get rid of the twigs etc.

 

[Steve S]

Rent a chain saw and a chipper and have a go at it.

 

[eljefino]

6" is nothing. As Gary said the intact leaves will cushion the fall. Shimmy up a couple dozen feet with a clothesline and tie it off and pull on it to guide it as it falls. You didn't mention electrical wires; that's the only thing I'd worry about. Even if the outer leafy part hits your roof/gutters it's unlikely to do any damage.

Look around online, watch some youtubes, see how to make the notches so it falls how you like.

 

[labman]

Forget youtube. Full of idiots. See http://www.arboristsite.com/

 

[Gary Allan]

You must have channeled a landslide of traffic to that site, labman. The server is jammed.