Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? in Home Repair & Improvement http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r20833627 en Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:56:23 EDT Tue, 15 Dec 2009 01:56:23 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21042851 Tursiops_G :
said by sailor See Profile :

Thanks and I'm going to have to weigh the pro and cons of leaving it or removing it..

I just took this pic this afternoon and I'm already leaning towards having them come back out and grind it down below the grass line once I get the slate and greenery around it removed.
Perhaps you could clear away the overgrowth and slate, level off the top of the stump with a Belt Sander, then drill a hole down the center of the stump for installing a patio Umbrella, and apply a couple of coats of Urethane sealant to the top of the stump to finish it off as a Picnic Table?... ;)

-Tursiops_G.
--
If You're Unsure, "RTFM"... If You're SURE, "RTFM" Anyway. ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21042851 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:18:03 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21042618 anon : That tree had plenty of years left. The cobwebs make it hard to see how bad this one is, but about 75% is gone and it has stress cracks in the bark. Limbs have been removed so it'll fall in a relatively safe location.
Click for full size
A Scarlet Oak that doesn't have too many years left.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21042618 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:28:54 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21029941 anon : Could ya count the rings? I would love to know how old it was...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21029941 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:59:17 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21028944 sailor : That's interesting.

I found this photo searching for info on stump removal.
Click for full size
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21028944 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:54:44 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21028554 robbin : I have been meaning to mention a historical fact. Thomas Jefferson was a proponent of leaving stumps. The last time I was at his Monticello I saw some huge ones. I tried to find some info on the web regarding his thinking on the subject but wasn't able to. If I have some time this weekend I'll go through my bookshelves as see what I can find.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21028554 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 19:41:55 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21026526 mityfowl : Don't over think it. You did the right thing.

You won't live long enough to see the the stump disappear if you don't grind it out.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21026526 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:18:23 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21026423 sailor : I needed yesterday, the first day without the tree here, to decide on leaving the stump as is or have it ground down and I have decided to have it ground down. (thanks for all the advice and suggestions given here )

Will have the stuff around it removed so they can get at it to grind it down and then will fill in all yard holes with top soil and re-seed and will decide then what to do with the area the tree took up...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21026423 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:54:52 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21026279 sailor : Without a doubt. It wouldn't take much of a hurricane for it to topple of even a good Nor'easter for major limbs, especially at a V area higher up the tree, to start breaking off.

Water was trapped towards the base and not getting up the tree and that is why I started noticing areas higher up the tree dying out.

Could I have held off a year or maybe two? Possibly, but with it going over the wires over and over my street and leaning towards neighbors homes I felt the right thing to do and the responsible thing to do is to spend the money now and have her taken down.....

While I'm bummed that is it gone, I have no regrets in my decision..If the arborist, after testing, would have told me it was good still for another 10 years or so I would have kept her..But he said it wouldn't even need a major hurricane to topple so that was all the convincing I needed. We've been fortunate in this area that we have escaped a major hurricane in years but with that said, we are way over-due for one. If anything, I and my immediate neighbors will now have the peace of mind that the mighty oak won't come crashing down now. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21026279 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:30:07 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21025067 dmagerl : You didn't say, but now that the tree has been cut down, and you got to see the insides of it, just how bad was the damage by rot and ants? Did it justify taking it down?

-dickm]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21025067 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:17:05 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21021566 Kringle : That's actually not a bad deal that you have there. Once they've ground the stump and you've removed the wood chips, you can put back the slate, fill the area with some good topsoil and put in a nice flower garden. The composting stump should provide some good nutrients for the garden. Be careful of white grubs feeding on the rotting stump, though.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21021566 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:05:16 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21021534 sailor : Thanks and I'm going to have to weigh the pro and cons of leaving it or removing it..

I just took this pic this afternoon and I'm already leaning towards having them come back out and grind it down below the grass line once I get the slate and greenery around it removed.
Click for full size
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21021534 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:59:21 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020997 Kringle : I found this part of the article that you linked to quite telling...
Some trees complicate matters by sending up sprouts long after the tree was cut down. Maple, oak, aspen, boxelder and most other hardwoods are among the trees likely to sprout. Mowing or pruning repeatedly or treating sprouts with properly labeled herbicides may be necessary to control sprouts.
Good luck with your decision.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020997 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:21:24 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020952 sailor : Thanks as the comments from you and the others who have taken the time to reply regarding my doing the right thing in taking the tree down does lessen the sadness I immediately have with it now gone. I appreciate the replies made.

As for the stump I will probably decide within a few days to remove it or not...It will be costly due to the size to have it ground down but I need to make a decision within a week or so as I need to have the lawn holes filled in with top soil and then with grass seed...Don't want to hold off on that to long and would like everything to be done at the same time...

I have an old antique push plow that was used many years ago on farms...was going to have it sandblasted and then put it on the stump and secure it down to prevent theft and just have it as a decoration..But so far today, the more I look at the huge stump, I am now thinking I'll have it ground down.

I was just reading this:

»www.anrcats.msu.edu/press/080106···umps.htm]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020952 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:12:21 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020312 dennismurphy : I just wanted to say thank you VERY MUCH for taking the right precautions. It's really important to have a qualified arborist, especially on a project like this. Two guys with a chainsaw just doesn't cut it. :-)

Seriously - I hate to see such an established, beautiful tree go, but with the carpenter ant damage, I definitely think you made the right choice. Looks like the crew did a great job -- fantastic!

On a personal note, I'd definitely consider having that stump ground out. It's huge, and waiting for it to decompose is going to be a long, long time. Being that it's in the front of your house, it shouldn't be an issue for the crew to get this bad boy in there!

Now ... where are you going to plant a new tree? :-)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020312 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:32:02 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020247 cdru :
said by sailor See Profile :

For now will drill some holes in it and pour some stump out in it
Good luck with that. I had a few trees that where maybe 1/4 the diameter and their rootballs where huge when we ground them out. I can't imagine how big that tree's ball and root network is like. Mother Nature will eventually take care of it, and Stump Out like products will help speed up the process, but it's still going to be measured in years. It may be better to grind it out to 6" or 8" below the surface THEN drill your holes.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020247 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:20:58 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020159 anon : You did the right thing. I still cringe though when I see all that beautiful wood being hauled off.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21020159 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:08:00 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21019073 sempergoofy : Clearly you did the right thing in taking it down with the damage that was exposed. Sad, but necessary and correct.
--
nohup rm -fr /&]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21019073 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:04:23 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21019029 normat : It's nice that you had it checked out first. Around here people take down healthy trees out of hurricane fear. That sometimes has the unintended consequence of removing natural wind breakers. Thus causing more wind damage to homes.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21019029 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:52:21 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21018094 KoolMoe : Agreed, great thread, sad result. Until you showed pictures of the stump, I really doubted the decision - all the cuttings look solid to me. But once the stump was shown, I think it was the right choice - though I think you had a couple more years before it was truly weakened (IMNA Arborist!)

I don't have the tools, but those last several feet of the trunk, what beautiful wood. I hope the folks who hauled it found some use for it...

Enjoy your solar panels!
KM
--
Don't Lie - Be Kind - Realize your Potential]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21018094 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:45:48 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017582 sailor : Thanks. I enjoyed posting them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017582 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:02:31 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017547 SandShark : Though I hated to see that old tree go, I really enjoyed reading this thread. Thanks for the narrative and the great photographs.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017547 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:56:59 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017437 sailor : Oh I sure have thought about it. The tree kept the front of my house so cool in the summer..I wake up in the morning and the entire front is so comfortable. Now that along with the shade will be gone. :(

But I will attempt to take advantage of the new open space and have solar experts come out in the near future and see what can be done to make my home as energy efficient as possible.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017437 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:36:54 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017406 Warzau : I miss those tall trees. My previous home we had beautiful trees like those. Here all small saplings, new subdivisions.

Have you thought about the increase of heat? Or have you noticed it yet?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017406 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:31:31 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017401 sailor : Out of all the photos taken today this one to me is the coolest one.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017401 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:30:51 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017376 sailor : Thanks and for now I just used a can of Carpenter Ant spray but have a friend who is a licensed pest control operator who will be coming out to treat the stump and surrounding area.

Then I will have all that around the stump removed while I have the holes in the yard filled up with top soil and then grass seed.

It is just so weird to look out and not see the tree. It will take some time to get use to it not being there.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017376 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:26:47 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017304 Warzau : Great pics, are you going to take any preemptive action against the ants. Now that their home is gone, they might try to set up satellites to find a new home, perhaps yours?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017304 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:13:28 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017077 sailor : ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017077 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:25:40 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017072 sailor : When I wake up tomorrow and see the tree missing I will be even more sad but at least now I can relax knowing it will never topple over and cause severe property or personal injury to others.

These are the final pics.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21017072 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:24:21 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21016986 sailor : Its now close to 8pm e.s.t and I'm just now sitting down to have something to eat. They completed the job late the afternoon and I am extremely pleased with the job they did..Both the taking down of the tree and the clean up they did as well.. I will have to do some landscaping on my yard as there are a number of holes but this they informed me of in advance...

While it was sad to see such an old huge oak be taken down, I am now glad I made the decision due to the amount of carpenter ant infestation as well as the holes and cracks running up the middle of the tree which caused water to be retained near the base...water was damn near bubbling out of some holes...I had them leave the stump and I will decide at a later date what to do with it..For now will drill some holes in it and pour some stump out in it..

It was a job well done and the crew truly earned their pay..I will post the final set of photos in a few minutes.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21016986 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:02:57 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21016706 anon : Do not "push" that rootball out with a dozer unless you want to get a new sewer and/or water line.
I have seen more efficient operations, looks like there were twice as many laborers than needed, but hey, you're a big spender.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21016706 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:59:08 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21015772 anon : Around missouri you can get good money for a tree like that for lumber, They come cut it and haul it off for you. I would leave the stump at about 4ft up, Have a dozer come push it out, rootball and all.

I used to take stumps like that, take off the bark and sit it outside to dry for a while. I would then trim the small roots off and the large roots to size, Then I would hollow the inside from the bottom. I would then sand down the whole stump really smooth and clean it up. Use a clear laquer to shine up the stump and fill in the pits. go have a large round glass cut and put it on top.
These make great tables. I used to sell them for around $4K.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21015772 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:56:27 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21015090 sailor :
said by mityfowl See Profile :

Did you try to count the tree rings and guess the age?
No...I'm staying clear of the work area until they are finished which will be late this afternoon..it is now approx 2pm e.s.t.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21015090 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:56:08 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21015072 mityfowl : Did you try to count the tree rings and guess the age?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21015072 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:53:30 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21015016 sailor : few more and then will post when they are finished.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21015016 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:44:46 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014933 sailor : Will post remainder when they are finished..the ground sure shakes when they lower some of the larger sections.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014933 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:31:21 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014928 sailor : ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014928 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:30:12 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014910 sailor : ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014910 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:26:45 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014878 sailor : ****** UPDATE AUGUST 27, 2008 ******

TREE REMOVAL DAY :(

Well today is the day they are removing my old, huge oak tree...The tree experts and the power company coordinated their work schedules and started early this morning...The tree company is still working as I type this but I just want to say I have a great appreciation for the guys who do this kind of work...Everyone involved from the tree climber to the guys on the ground to the arborist and management on the site have to all be on the same page and they were....

I am going to miss my tree very much but at times we have to do things that we don't like to do...such is life...
They estimate the tree at approx 125 years old and told me it is the largest oak tree in the entire township which has a population of approx 40k.

I have pics and will post them in next replies and will add more pics when they are finished later this afternoon.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,21014878 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:20:39 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20948090 anon : Any acorns dropping now, haven't matured enough yet.

If you look at them and they are green, they're not ready, they should be brown and that'll happen in about another two months.

Oaks often start dropping many acorns when they are stressed.

Do be aware that an Oak seedling needs plenty of sun to thrive, and will take many years to reach even the size of a small tree.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20948090 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:53:47 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20947969 sailor : Never thought of that..Will have to look into that...I noticed how the acorns are dropping now and are so small compared to the size they normally are...We're in the middle of the hottest month of the year and yet it feels almost like fall here...very weird weather.....the acorns normally don't fall until...fall :)

I'm going to look into that..Thanks!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20947969 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:25:44 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20947944 FourWheelKid : Not 100% sure of the season, etc...if it's the right season, couldn't you save the acorns from it and plant them? Get to watch those grow up and have a memory of your tree....?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20947944 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 23:22:15 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20947769 sailor :
said by FourWheelKid See Profile :

Sad to see such a good ol' tree go, you're doing what's best for it, though.
Yeah, thanks...I know I am doing the right thing but sure wish LIPA ( Long Island Power Authority ) would get going on doing their part of taking down all that is over the power lines so the tree company can come in and do the job.

I have been in a funk since making the decision to take her down even though I really have no choice...Not really depressed, but in a funk due to I will greatly miss the tree....So the sooner it is gone from this point forward the easier it will be for me...I am finding myself looking at it more and more everyday where before I would look at it a couple times a day...Now I'm like almost camping out under it. :(]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20947769 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:44:43 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20947741 sailor : Here's an update on the firewood. I've talked to the immediate neighbors and the one guy that was most interested told me his back is giving him trouble so that combined with the time for him to cut it up, move it to his house from mine and then stack it is not worth it to him at this time...While he appreciated the offer, he said just have the tree company take it all away..

So that settles the firewood question..Tree company will do it all, including taking away all wood and debris.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20947741 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 22:40:17 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20942539 FourWheelKid : Sad to see such a good ol' tree go, you're doing what's best for it, though.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20942539 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 01:29:16 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20942458 Icarus :
said by sailor See Profile :

said by Jtmo See Profile :

Check with your neighbors, if no one has a chain saw and is willing to come over and cut/split then have the crew take it all away.

The thick branches are perfect types for me to cut and use, the big trunk is more work. Yes, I rarely buy wood and hate to see good firewood going to the dumps.
good idea..thanks!
That once would have been a good idea,but in today's world you would be opening yourself up to a boatload of liability issues if the neighbor cut his leg off.Either keep it for firewood of have the arborists dispose of it for you. Dont dick around with amateurs in the neighborhood wielding chaninsaws.
--
Team Helix- Folding@Home and Rosetta@Home]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20942458 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:56:06 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20941379 Greg_Z : I have had 2 close calls, and one was using the step ladder out front, and the other was because of the limb over the neighbors house, and had to extend the ladder to the safest farthest distance, but could not get it in the right place.

But at least you have us beat on almost buying the Farm. If something like that happened to me, I would not have the Chainsaw (Stihl 180), and my wife would of kicked my arse. Tree Trimming is one of the most dangerous professions next to Ocean Fishermen.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20941379 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:35:20 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20940914 cdru :
said by Greg_Z See Profile :

My wife found out that yesterday I had the Ladder & Stihl out to prune a neighbor's Dogwood. She asked if anyone was helping, and of course reply was no.
You really should have someone around, if for no other reason then to get help should it be necessary. You never know when accidents happen.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20940914 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 19:02:38 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20940235 nocannothave : There is unrest in the forest,
There is trouble with the trees,
For the maples want more sunlight
And the oaks ignore their pleas.

The trouble with the maples,
(And they're quite convinced they're right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light.
But the oaks can't help their feelings
If they like the way they're made.
And they wonder why the maples
Can't be happy in their shade.

There is trouble in the forest,
And the creatures all have fled,
As the maples scream "Oppression!"
And the oaks just shake their heads

So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights.
"The oaks are just too greedy;
We will make them give us light."
Now there's no more oak oppression,
For they passed a noble law,
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet, axe, and saw.

:D]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20940235 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 16:46:05 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20939093 anon : Tree "looks" good, just not use to it being so short.
Better than having it smash through the house and destroying it. It would have had no problem doing that since the cables balancing the three main trunks snapped when one trunk failed.
The base of the tree is almost 5 feet in diameter.
Tree guy said he could remove entire tree, but I didn't want to.
If it died, I could get it removed later.
My main concern was getting it shorter QUICK.
The Elms were dead, so they had to go completely.
We spent money on preventive maintenance on big elm, didn't help, they die quick when they get sick.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20939093 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 13:04:44 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20938825 mattmag :
said by joewilliams :

The tree is still alive, but one of the main trunks is having problems spouting new branches. The trunk that was hollow and filled with ants isn't doing any thing.
Looks like you got cheap results from the lowball price. Sometimes there is more to it than price alone.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20938825 Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:14:20 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20935967 anon : You guys must not have many tree removal places.
We had elm trees bigger than yours that died, it cost $800 and $850 for the bigger one to have them removed, cleaned up, hauled away, and stump ground down. They did not take the mess from the stump grinding away.
Had a pin oak removed last year, they used 2 cranes, some kind of "chipper" machine that ate the limbs in 3 seconds and blew the remains into an empty truck. The best part was the remote controlled stump grinder that looked like it came out of a RoboCop movie. They also left the stump grindings in a big pile. Total cost was $650. They were not happy because they said they quoted too low, but I always get a contract. I was wondering why they cut the main trunk into 2 sections, then loaded them into a transport truck and hauled those away separately.
I had a cabled Linden tree with 3 main limbs, one night a limb snapped off, other limbs hanging over house with no support made me nervous.
I called many places at midnight, next morning a guy shows up at 7am. I had him "prune" the tree down to 25 feet height from the 80 feet. The tree was still alive. I told him I didn't want any gouges in lawn from dropping limbs.
He had some kid climb up and remove the limbs, lowered them down with a rope, all the small limbs and branches got "chipped", he cut the big stuff up, said he could leave it on the tree lawn or haul it away for $100. I said leave it. Total cost $450. He said to water tree for a month, the stress to the tree was intense.
The tree is still alive, but one of the main trunks is having problems spouting new branches. The trunk that was hollow and filled with ants isn't doing any thing. The raccoon that lived in there showed up in the spring with her babies, she was pissed, clawed a lot of the bark off the limb looking for her home.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20935967 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 20:34:53 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928747 sailor :
said by Jtmo See Profile :

Check with your neighbors, if no one has a chain saw and is willing to come over and cut/split then have the crew take it all away.

The thick branches are perfect types for me to cut and use, the big trunk is more work. Yes, I rarely buy wood and hate to see good firewood going to the dumps.
good idea..thanks!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928747 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 13:00:38 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928741 sailor :
said by treeman344 See Profile :

so no I don't understand the all or nothing statement. maybe he misunderstood what you wanted?
That is very possible as we got interrupted by someone stopping by to see me right after I mentioned that so I will discuss it with him again...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928741 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:59:37 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928708 Greg_Z : My wife found out that yesterday I had the Ladder & Stihl out to prune a neighbor's Dogwood. She asked if anyone was helping, and of course reply was no.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928708 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:48:40 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928705 Jtmo : Check with your neighbors, if no one has a chain saw and is willing to come over and cut/split then have the crew take it all away.
The thick branches are perfect types for me to cut and use, the big trunk is more work. Yes, I rarely buy wood and hate to see good firewood going to the dumps.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928705 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:46:54 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928642 treeman344 : Definitely no one in the work area while the job is in progress. if they are planning on using a crane,knuckle boom, or other heavy equipment to load the wood then they won't be cutting it to firewood size. still they should be able to set as much wood as you want off to the side, and you or your neighbors can cut it up later, or they would likely cut it for an additional fee. so no I don't understand the all or nothing statement. maybe he misunderstood what you wanted? ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928642 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:35:44 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928480 sailor :
said by treeman344 See Profile :

And do please post pics of the work in progress. We would likely use our crane on a tree that size.but manually can be interesting too.
Yes, I will post pics.

I also have a question regarding the firewood that was mentioned early....I don't have a fireplace but a couple of neighbors do...When I was going over with the general manager yesterday regarding clean-up I asked him what if one or more of my neighbors wanted firewood how would that be handled. He told me if I wanted to they could have all the debris stacked near my curb and it would be up to me and the neighbors to take it all away....Which he wouldn't recommend as it is going to be a huge job and a dangerous one and he doesn't want anyone on or even near the job site. Near meaning standing on the street where the tree over-hangs as well as hanging over one immediate neighbors front lawn some.

They do total clean-up so it seems a neighbor if the wanted to would not be able to take say just 'some' wood...I will go over this again when I speak to the general manager tomorrow but it seems to me it is they will either pile everything up on my property and leave it or take it all away and clean up...One or the other ...no piece work here or there..

Can you shed some light on that for me treeman?
Thanks!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928480 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:55:22 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928449 sailor :
said by treeman344 See Profile :

Personally I would have the stump ground, it will be a haven for the carpenter ants and other undesirables.


Thanks, after thinking about it over night I believe I will now. The carpenter ants alone is enough reason to do so..Something I didn't think of right away.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928449 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:45:51 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928445 Greg_Z : »www.arboristsite.com/index.php]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928445 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:44:31 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928430 sailor :
said by mityfowl See Profile :

It really sucks to say goodbye to a giant ass oak.

I think your doing the correct thing. Now think of it falling through you roof during a storm!
Yes and last month here on Long Island a man was driving home from his job and a oak tree fell down onto his car and crushed him to death. :( His wife came upon the scene..Just horrible...and that has stuck in my head because even though I don't get thru-traffic on my street as it is a cul-de-sac, there is traffic from neighbors and also many walk their dogs, kids in strollers etc....It would devastate me if my tree fell and hit someone walking by at the time....a child on a bike etc.....The tree being on my front yard is my responsibility and as much as I and many neighbors love the tree and the shade and cooling effect it provides, I just can't allow it to remain after having the arborist here yesterday.
___________

Here is the story about the guy I mentioned:

Jose Machicado was not one to arrive home late without calling first.

A custodian at Long Island University's C.W. Post Campus, Machicado was supposed to get off work at 3 p.m. Saturday, but by 6:30 p.m. his wife, Sara, had not heard from him.

Feeling helpless, Sara Machicado anxiously drove to C.W. Post and then followed her husband's normal route from work to their home in Long Beach. What she found confirmed her worst fears.

On I.U. Willets Road, at the border of Roslyn Heights and Old Westbury, she saw police lights flashing around an accident scene.

She stopped her car and rushed to an officer.

"I tell them my husband's name and why I'm there," Sara Machicado said. "They let me inside the yellow tape and started talking to each other. I am just waiting, and then they came and showed me some pictures. It was my husband."

At 3:08 p.m., Nassau County police received a call saying a large oak tree had fallen on Jose Machicado's white Toyota Corolla, crushing its roof and instantly killing him. Part of the tree also fell on another car and injured a woman whose identity was not released, police said.

Born in Bolivia, Jose Machicado, 52, immigrated to the United States in 1981 and became a citizen, said his wife of 20 years. The father of two children, Sheila, 18, and David, 16, Machicado worked a number of jobs before becoming a custodian at C.W. Post three years ago, his wife said.

Sara Machicado said she had driven with her husband many times along his route to work, and they had often casually remarked to each other that the tree appeared to be unstable.

"It looked like it was going to fall down, but no one ever did anything about it," Machicado said.

Yesterday, it remained unclear who was responsible for maintaining the tree.

The tree, identified by residents as a pin oak, which appeared to be at least 20 feet tall, stood just outside a wooden fence built around the property at 472 I.U. Willets Rd. The property owner, Donna Paradise, did not return telephone calls yesterday.

County police and Town of North Hempstead officials said yesterday they were not sure if the tree was on town land.

"It is under investigation," said town spokesman Collin Nash. "We will look on Monday if there were any complaints about that particular tree."

Yellow police tape still surrounded the broken stump yesterday, and brown chalk showed the path of the tree's fall onto the westbound side of I.U. Willets Road. Drivers slowed down to look at the site, and bikers and pedestrians stopped and shook their heads.

"The tree was just part of the scenery. I never noticed it until now. What happened is so sad," said one neighbor, who declined to give her name.

The oak fell as Machicado was waiting in traffic to turn onto the Northern State Parkway. "If he had gotten to the parkway, he'd be home," said Sara Machicado.

»64.233.169.104/search?q=cache:Nl···=1&gl=us]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928430 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:39:38 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928418 treeman344 : And do please post pics of the work in progress. We would likely use our crane on a tree that size.but manually can be interesting too. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928418 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:37:12 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928400 sailor :
said by hitachi369 See Profile :

I don't know what I would do if I lost the main tree in my yard. RIP.

But what has to be done, has to be done. At least you are not just doing it to do it, like my neighbor. He cut down 2 established trees just to have a sunny front yard :( Now my house gets more sun to.
I sure didn't get a good nights sleep last night..This was a tough decision to make but a no brainer and I knew it would bother me greatly having to take it down but damn, didn't realize just how much it would bother me.....But at times we have to do things we don't really want to do.. :(]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928400 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 11:32:33 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928211 treeman344 :
said by sailor See Profile :

So you would then have them grind the stump? Yeah, couple hundred extra....I was thinking to leave it to put something on it decorative but now that I am thinking about it more maybe I will have them grind it...That way I could plant another tree there if I wanted to..Something smaller but something.
Personally I would have the stump ground, it will be a haven for the carpenter ants and other undesirables.

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928211 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 10:34:19 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928104 sempergoofy : It is awful to have to take down what appear to be healthy trees on the surface. Nothing is worse, though, than the aftermath of having them topple unexpectedly and hit a house, car, and possibly living beings when you could do the responsible thing as you are doing.

Shortly after buying our house, a tornado came through and twisted the tops out of many of the large pines in our yard. (Those with oaks had them toppled. Those with pines had the tops twisted out and dropped.) We were fortunate that there was only minor damage to the house that was easily repaired in contrast to neighbors with oaks. There is a sickly sweet smell that occurs when so many pine trees are ripped apart in a storm. I hate that smell. It always reminds me of devastation.
--
nohup rm -fr /&]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20928104 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 09:57:13 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927690 Jtmo : Bummer, but lots of great firewood for this winter ;)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927690 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 03:49:04 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927646 mityfowl : It really sucks to say goodbye to a giant ass oak.

I think your doing the correct thing. Now think of it falling through you roof during a storm!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927646 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 03:03:26 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927597 hitachi369 : I don't know what I would do if I lost the main tree in my yard. RIP.

But what has to be done, has to be done. At least you are not just doing it to do it, like my neighbor. He cut down 2 established trees just to have a sunny front yard :( Now my house gets more sun to.
Click for full size
My Main Tree
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927597 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 02:26:55 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927381 sailor : So you would then have them grind the stump? Yeah, couple hundred extra....I was thinking to leave it to put something on it decorative but now that I am thinking about it more maybe I will have them grind it...That way I could plant another tree there if I wanted to..Something smaller but something.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927381 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:39:46 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927359 Ken : A stump that big is going to take a long time to rot on it's own. I guess my feeling is if you are already spending $4K what's another $100 to $200 to have them grind the stump.
--
My Business website: MerrittConstruction.com | My Gaming Website: KensGaming.com ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927359 Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:26:16 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927280 sailor : UPDATE Aug 9, 2008

Well this afternoon the general manager and arborist of a very well known tree company came out...he did the testing of the tree by going inside of it and then we both went over the read outs....he was here for just about two hours.

The tree, being probably over 100 years old is hollow in places and rotted on the interior and after giving it some more thought since I originally posted this I have decided to have the tree taken down.

The arborist feels it could possibly fall with any strong winds over 60 MPH. I am also very close to the Long Island Sound and we have brutal northeaster's at times which could also topple it..

Most everyone on my street has trees but they are on town property even though they are on the lawns but close to the curb...My tree is further in and on my property....If it fell it would cause havoc and I would be totally responsible so even though I hate to have it taken down and I will miss it and the shade that it provides I have to do what I feel is the best thing to do for the safety of my neighbors as well as those walking and driving by on the street in front of my house as that is the way it would fall..and finally due to the tree being so far damaged...especially by carpenter ant infestation.

I am looking at approx $4k and you will notice how the top of the tree goes well over the power lines as well as the tree extends over the street itself...The first step will be the power company will be contacted Monday and they will come out to look at the tree and have me sign off on them removing the parts of the tree over their wires...This will be done at their expense but they do not clean up what they will cut...the tree company will do that and then immediately after the power company is finished they will tackle the job...

While they take every precaution in taking the tree down I can expect some lawn damage...They will also clean up all the debris and my responsibility will be to keep people away from the work site as this is a huge tree and a big job.

I just wanted to give an update and include a couple of pics I took today and say thank you for those who replied when I originally posted this....

Once the tree is gone and I lose my shade I am going to plan on going solar as much as I can...I do have a question and that is for those of you who have had large trees taken down did you leave just the stump to put flower pots or whatever on or did you have them grind up and take the entire stump out?...As of now, I am just just going to have them leave the stump way down by ground level as I have something I would like to put on top of it..]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20927280 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 23:55:25 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20834187 anon : Not which, but it looks to be a member of the Red Oak family. A rather mature and, frankly, healthy looking. Although the trunk does lean quite a bit.

There may well be some rot behind that wound, but not the worst I've seen. I have a Scarlet Oak of similar height that about 75% of the trunk is rotted away. It's been trimmed so the weight should keep it from falling on the house and toward a safer area.

I suspect your's still has may years yet, but good move getting an arborist out to check on it. It probably will have to be removed eventually.

One hint, if it has heavy fruit every year, it may be stressed.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20834187 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:08:09 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20834178 dennismurphy :
said by sailor See ProfileThanks for the name of that test and for sure I will have an Arborist come out soon...I appreciate your professional opinion and suggestions.
Thanks!
[/BQUOTE :

Definitely give an arborist a call.

Here's a great link from the ISA - International Society of Arboriculture.

»www.treesaregood.com/treecare/hi···ist.aspx

Give that a shot ... ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20834178 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:06:50 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20834055 sailor : I haven't noticed any sawdust on or around the base of the tree but all around the base is covered with hostas so I will take a good look tomorrow as I can't see the base now unless I pull apart and look down through the hostas.

The only real visible debris is on the first picture I posted above you can see some debris on the hostas leaves if you click on the photo. It looks to me like something is boring into the tree but yet it is not sawdust color if that makes any sense..

Approx 2 years ago I noticed that same kind of dark sawdust like stuff on the Hostas leaves and watched for awhile and saw carpenter ants crawling in a line up the tree..Had it sprayed back then but have noticed them back about 2-3 weeks ago. Is it possible for carpenter ants to bore into the oak tree enough to make it susceptible to falling? I know they don't eat wood like termites do but they do bore like termites and like damp areas.

Thanks for the name of that test and for sure I will have an Arborist come out soon...I appreciate your professional opinion and suggestions.
Thanks!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20834055 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:38:46 EDT Re: Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20833938 treeman344 : Are you finding sawdust on or around the base of the tree? Carpenter ants don't usually show up unless the tree already has begun to decay.

The test is called a Resistograph, the only problem is the cavities or decayed areas may be in areas other than were the test holes are bored.

As far as the leaves go, it looks like leaf miner damage to me, easily treated by your local Arborist.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20833938 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:19:34 EDT Any Arborist or other tree experts in the house? http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20833627 sailor : I have a huge very old oak tree in my front yard and I am getting concerned about it falling in a hurricane and possible hurting or killing someone since it would fall on the road as well as possible falling onto the house across the street..

I love this oak tree and the shade it provides is wonderful not to mention how it helps cool my house in the summer..Taking this tree down is not something I ever want to do but I am getting concerned about carpenter ants making it hollow as well as other disease destroying insects...The carpenter ants have been treated but come back and just in the past few weeks a lot of leaf branches are falling down and by the looks of the leafs it seems they are diseased...We have not had any rain in weeks so I am hoping that it is what is causing them to drop and the look of the leaf.

Two years ago I had it pruned but the guy wasn't an arborist or even a tree expert...He did tell me there was a 'boring' test that could be done to determine if the tree is getting hollow inside which would be a sign of bad news...Do anyone of you know of such a test?

I am going to call and have a professional Arborist come in within a week or two. In the meantime I am posting photos that I took just today and am hoping someone will be able to offer some advice/suggestions based on the photos.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,20833627 Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:21:43 EDT