The former homeowner cut through some large roots to put in the deck. We enjoyed the tree for three years before it died. I planted my shade lovers at the base. It is multi-trunked and will be difficult to remove. Should we attempt to grind the stumps all the way down to make room for a new tree? Should we just cut it and leave stumps for vines to climb? What are your ideas? sorry for all the pics. I just want your best ideas. muddy
If you are handling the cut down yourself, I would suggest leaving the trunks and planting vines on them. It is going to be a big enough job getting all those branches down. Looks like you will be moving the shade garden too, it will be destroyed in the process.
Very sad to see a tree like that lost - hmm. It depends on whether you want a live tree there, you can grind out and replace with a sapling, but it will obviously be quite small for some time - if you feel creative and energetic, you could potentially build yourself quite a nice treehouse there with the multi-trunks to work with, making them the centerpiece of it and training vines on them. Hm. You would need to be watching for wood-loving bugs in them if you leave them, but they'd last a good long time. I agree you're going to have to move the plants at the base of it, at least for a time. Maybe into some tubs until they can be replanted.
A dead tree is a dangerous tree , take it down as soon as possible . Great idea Primsong about the tree house , it would save taking out the trunk and could be a great feature . 8) Bugs
What a shame. I agree that it's gotta come down. However, I do like the treehouse idea. It wouldn't have to be high - could it be incorporated into the deck? Also, just to keep in mind for future trees - don't mound too much mulch around a tree above it's natural root crown - can lead to decay. and: from http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/champaign ... 30621.html
I am aware of the dangers of mounding around the base. This was perpetrated by the previous homeowner. I thought about removing it but I figured the damage was done. There were roots the size of my waist that had been severed for that deck. I never considered leaving this tree. It is not an option. We will take it down in the winter when many of the plants are dormant. I am really drawn to the treehouse idea but I'm not much good at designing that sort of thing. Do you think an architect would think I'd gone mad? We had a notorious bank robber where I used to live. His home was an incredible treehouse. They called him Hollywood because of all the makeup he wore during the heists. I met him once. You'd think he was a very nice guy because you did not know what he did for a living. He took his own life when tracked down. But not before he fired at the arresting officers. Anne Rule wrote a book about him. Interesting stuff. muddy
Ooh! A contest. Whoever designs the best treehouse gets my undying gratitude. Who wants to be on the judging panel? Muddy
Wow!!! That guy is amazing. I just think it's fantastic when we are in love with our work as this man so obviously is. He's an inspiration. muddy
