Is this tree dead?

downntick

I have this tree in the yard. I am trying to get it removed with a permit
but the city is saying no. Is this thing dead or dying? I do not know much about trees, but this thing looks like a mess!

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George Valentine

Well, the poor tree certainly got a rough "shave" that's for sure, who did it and was a permit required for that...???

Even tough, I got a saw neck out of trying to look at the pic sideways, I can't see what would the council deny permission to take away such a ugly "thing", after all, that tree has been tempered with quite badly and I suspect that that rough treatment has everything to do with the house you are building near it and your possible attempts of dealing with branches that may have been in the way...!

Anyway, the tree may not be dead yet, but I certain will be in the near future, huh...???

Well, the tree may need to be very dead and visible as such, before the council will allow that ugly thing to be totally removed from your backyard so, a little more time and you should be right...!

Disclaimer: Assumptions, only...!

Cheers
George

Jeff Darby

Looking at that left over tree stump, made me wonder who hacked it to the point it is now? and maybe refusal to remove is because the tree was all but cut down illegally? to me it seems strange to protect this abomination unless it is a lesson to the landowner!!

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downntick

The landscapers began to cut it as if it were suppose to come down months ago but half way through were told it was the wrong tree, and they removed the correct one. Now this is what is left. Is this tree dead though? What will eventually happen if nothing is done to it? Could it fall?

Tony Knight

Who engaged the landscapers? And how the hell did they get the wrong tree and mutilate it to that extent before realising? Looking at the picture I'd say it has already fallen and BTW your house has tipped over as well.

Serously, I can't tell any integrity from that pic needless to say that your landscaper should stick to planting them.



Tony

Brent Ferris

The tree appears to be a willow -- and if so, it will grow back. Is the tree on city property, or yours? If yours, and you really want to get rid of it, trim back 30% each year and if it doesn't disappear, it might grow into something to be proud of. You could also try root pruning, but if it is a willow -- it will almost certainly grow back.

And Tony getting the wrong tree isn't so hard. A client of mine asked me to cut down two willows 5-6 years ago. One was down, and most of the top was gone from the second when the neighbour asked what we were doing. He insisted I stop. They were his trees. So my client and he had a talk. And only after several hours did he tell me to continue. The trees had seemed to be on my client's yard, but the lines ran at an angle, and they weren't.

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downntick

The tree is a ficus banyan tree. I am worried about the roots as it is so close to the house. I guess if it is dead, the roots will not grow, but I do not know. I am told the roots of this tree are very destructive. It is only about 10 feet away from a septic tank as well.

Paul Toivonen

The "Landscapers" should have finished the job they started, planted a new tree and the council would be none the wiser.
These Cowboys deserve a fine at least, for hacking a listed tree.
It all could have been avoided by following proper proceedure.
May be time to take up a new hobby.
You now have a rather large bird box stand.

Eric Frei

I was going to say it looked like a ficus of sorts, maybe strangler fig growing over a host tree which may or may not be dead. Hard to tell from that picture.

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Tony Knight

G'day Brent,

You didn't get the wrong tree thou mate, the client directed you to the wrong tree/trees. I understand that boundaries are often not as one would think especially on rural land with "easements", "covenants" and "fences of convenience" in place of boundary fencing (if any). It is the clients responsibility and liability to identify the correct tree. The way I read the initial post I took it that the contractors made the error, how did they get the wrong tree? I assume they looked at the job for quoting purposes, even if the employee who quoted it was not on site for the removal the responsibility still falls back on the contractor.

Cheers

Tony

Brent Ferris

So true, Tony

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)

Brent Ferris

If you are that concerned about root growth, install a root barrier between the tree and the house and the septic tank. Generally it needs to be installed at least 3 feet deep, unless you are on sand, then deeper. Course, this action might also kill tree, so be careful.

__________________
My business: Tree Pruning and Removals -- Strump Removals -- Advice -- Consulting -- Arborist Reports
If you want an honest opinion, call Brent Ferris...because, Trees want to Live Too !
We do great jobs, even in small yards.

Free Estimates Oakville to Oshawa - North to Bradford (Will travel further if cost of travelling covered)