Sometimes I just don't understand (Austin, Spring: construction, inspection, zoning)

[paul6835]

cedar trees (junipers) are considered a nusance plant. they prevent the much more desireable oaks from growing and suck up too much water destined for the aquifer. they're also a fire hazard.

[MasterOfPuppets]

Originally Posted by blakesq

Because the trees are dying, and could fall and damage the house, or hurt people.

Or catch on fire!

I do a lot of clearing for fire protection.

[Zzyzx]

When I moved into my house I planted a bunch of trees in my backyard

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by paul6835

cedar trees (junipers) are considered a nusance plant. they prevent the much more desireable oaks from growing and suck up too much water destined for the aquifer. they're also a fire hazard.

Myths and facts about cedar by Fred Wills

Myth: A full-grown cedar tree will suck up 80 to 150 gallons of water a day.
Fact: A mature cedar will use about 33 gallons of water per day. A live oak of comparable size will use about 19 gallons per day (Owens 1996: 621).

Myth: Clearing cedar will provide lots of extra water for recharging the Edwards Aquifer.
Fact: While moderate amounts of clearing in small watersheds can increase the flows of minor springs in those places, it is very doubtful that this will translate into large quantities of water going into the Edwards Aquifer. That would require clearing almost all trees, including oaks, from the Hill Country, and would still not be effective unless the grasses that replaced the cedars and oaks were heavily grazed (White 2000: 7-8). In other words, only a barren Hill Country resembling a parking lot would provide large amounts of runoff to the Edwards Aquifer (White 2000: 1). It would be far better to keep the trees and simply use less water.

[woodinvilleguy]

Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets

Or catch on fire!

I do a lot of clearing for fire protection.

The tree was not sick, far from the house so no danger of damage or fire. It is also not within 20' of another tree.

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Why don't you ask the neighbor why he cut the trees down?

[woodinvilleguy]

Originally Posted by oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots

Why don't you ask the neighbor why he cut the trees down?

I'm planning on it this weekend. We get along just fine.

[oldtoiletsmkgdflrpots]

Don't forget to let us know.

[dick1973]

When i moved in my house, I chopped down three old pathetic china berry trees and replace them with Monterray Oaks. well worth the 4K it cost. Teds tree did a good job

Maybe the neighbor is going to do the same.

[MasterOfPuppets]

Originally Posted by woodinvilleguy

The tree was not sick, far from the house so no danger of damage or fire. It is also not within 20' of another tree.

Well, whatever... He can do whatever the heck he wants on his own property.