SM wants to try and salvage the tree by cutting it way back. We call this "lollipop-ing" the tree. It's stubbed back to the main trunk and when it's leaves force through again in the spring, it looks just like a big green lollipop.
Me? "Take it out."
But this is SM's project so we'll do it his way. For now. (grin)
The fellow who owned this house before us planted the tree right beside the driveway. Not good. When we moved in, it was only 6-7 feet tall. It's now around 30-40 feet. We had no idea that this was a "temporary" tree. (I should have taken it out when we first moved in.)
Builders and homeowners plant them for instant curb appeal but to the unsuspecting homeowner these trees quickly become hazardous. They split once they reach maturity. Any high winds, rain or ice storms can take them out.
Last year alone in our neighborhood at least 10 came down. We have a neighbor just a few doors down who sold his house and the new folks had to take down 4 right after they moved in due to a major spring storm. ($ouch$)
Our tree is close enough to our house, the neighbors house and of course, the cars. One bad storm and we're looking at some major aggravation.
"Why not take it down this fall? I hate to loose the summer shade." SM says delaying...again.
"No. We should've taken it out 2 years ago. My concern is even if we cut it way back, we'll still have to do this all over again in a few years and we're not getting any younger." Me
"Well...lets see what happens." SM
SM called for some quotes to take ours down. $350 to over $400 including chipping, hauling and stump grinding.
Geez! I'm glad that we only have the one.
SM wanted to try and take it down ourselves. I'm game! It's a soft wood. As long as we take our time and put safety first, I'll give it a swing.
Going...
Not gone. We petered out with just a few limbs left to do. SM used a handsaw. (We don't own a chainsaw and we'd never use it again so decided against buying one). Once we started to get tired, I called it. That's when accidents happen, when you're tired. We're not in a hurry. We've got time.
The back yard is a soggy mess still, so we left the limbs out front for now. Looks like a hurricane hit! Wouldn't you love us as neighbors?
SM says he'll call and see if anyone will charge us a reasonable fee to chip this up. Maybe.
The nice thing about a Bradford Pear is it has very straight limbs. I can use many of these for staking poles and for garden trellis.
Hmmm. What to do? (Pondering...)
This reminds me, I need a haircut :)
ReplyDeleteFunny you should say that Jane. I took about 4 inches off my own head this weekend. I won't color my own hair but I WILL cut it. (grin)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I am not the only one who dosen't like bradford pear trees,we have them all over our front yard. They are pretty when in bloom,but I don't like the way they split. MY hubby likes them. Hope you get rid of yours soon and safely. Blessings jane
ReplyDeleteI have two Bradford pears taking up prime real estate here at my place: a gift from my husband: he thought they were fruit trees and I don't have the heart to pull them out...he hasn't even noticed they don't produce! What kind of farmer is this guy!
ReplyDeleteJane and Lynda... Take them out before they take you out!
ReplyDeleteLynda, You need to pull a good one on your hubby. Take some pears and string them up in the tree this fall. Tell him it's finally producing. (evil grin)