HELP Maple close to my house..is it too close?

greenadam21

All-

I have a question for anyone more knowledgeable about this subject than myslef. That pretty much includes anyone who is reading this so please feel free to leave your comments.

I am purchasing this house Real Estate For Sale in Gardner Kansas, Cliff & DennisPerkinsPlatinum Realty with a maple tree planted within about six to eight feet of the corner of the two car garage and only several feet away from the driveway. As you a can see if you go to the site it is already necessary to trim back the limbs to keep it from rubbing the house. We really love the tree but don't want to foot the bill for huge repairs to the home either.

My question is by looking at the pics can you tell whether or not the tree needs to be removed.

Thanks,

Greenadam21

pcarborist

By your photo it looks closer to six, have you taken a tape measure and measured it?

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parkcityarborist

Eric Frei

Definately too close, so is that other red coloured thing leaning toward the stairs stuffed into that 3' wide garden.

Lordy, no wonder we cut down so many trees when people plant like that.

Looks like a willow in the back yard too, just check on it, could be a willow or pepper tree, check it out, find out where your pipes run.

PS: Love the tub!

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treeseer

please send a picture of the leaves so we can know if it is red maple Acer rubrum or another. Most maples will be a challenge to fit in that spot over time--root and branch pruning will be required. Can be done but will not be easy.

Darn shame--6' more in the lawn and it would be perfect.

The "red thing" (pics of those leaves too?) looks like it's near to its mature size; close but not too close.

Eric Frei

Shame really, nice trees but I just dont get it why they plant them in spots like that.

We were cutting down an ugly queen palm in a guys house and grinding out a decent hole for the new palm he was putting in (washingtonia ).

When we were done I asked him to read the label on the palm going in, it said ht 20m and the reason why he cut the old one down was "too tall".

He said he knew but was selling the house soon so it would look good for now.

I must be odd with windows too. I figure they're for letting light in and looking out of, but how many landscapers plant a tree or shrub smack bang infront of the window to block the view and give some privacy? Most!

You want privacy, close the blinds for crying out loud. You want to reduce sun (heat) on the window then plant a tree further away that can be crown lifted to 2m but offer a shading canopy yet retain a view ... or get some external awnings etc.

Just seems so many basic flaws in landscape design it's not funny, and that red leaved tree/shrubs is smack bang in front of a window.

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pcarborist

That could be a dwarf flowering plum. If so, you may be able to keep it small and manageable through pruning.

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parkcityarborist

Eric Frei

Is that like plums you eat? Or just ornamental?

Looks like it needs a prune anyway.

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treeseer

Ornamental, unless you are really hungry and have a ton of sugar. Note leaves are above sightline of window. I agree horrible landscape plan, meant to maximize turf and still have those woody bits on the edges.

greenadam21

Thanks so much for your replies. I would be happy to post pictures of the leaves but they are in their dormant stages now. Unless a picture of a dried leaf will do?

greenadam21

i haven't measured...I'll stop by today and do that.

greenadam21

I would be happy too. The tree is in its dormant state right now and the best I could do would be a picture of the leaves that have already turned.

newguy18

that would be fine,as long as it is the entire leaf.

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old schooler

treeseer

twigs also helpful for id if there is detail.

rbtree

Close up of one of the photos shows the trees are prolly pin oak and purple plum.

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Jeff Darby

This may help in I.D

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treeseer

nice focus there rb. q palustris does get right large; I'd plant a tree in the lawn and whack the other when it gets to be a hassle.

Purpleplums can be pruned easy enough; they may do better in drier KS than steamy NC.