Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
DH and I took out 16 trees on our property ourselves some 30 feet. We had 4 professional removed as two were Curley Willows and too close to the house. The other two were 35 foot maples. The former owner never met a tree he didn't like.
I like trees a lot, but I think this is too much.
Here is a zoom out, showing all the front side trees:
It really boils down to what you like. I would not be too concerned about a storm if you keep them pruned well. The house is still standing after30 years. Cut down what you want to as its your house and enjoy it.
I like trees, I like privacy. Personally unless the trees were threatening foundation or sidewalks, or they created an unbearable gloom in the house, I'd keep them. I'd trim that shrub on the right though!
The issue I see is they are so close to the house they will drop too much litter and debris on the roof, clogging gutters and give a pathway for insects and rodents.
When I am standing at the front door, those 2 willow trees give a really nice feel to the place. But when I'm looking at my house from the road, it looks like a pile of brick behind some bush. That is why I was thinking on pruning (with a chainsaw) the top off. The issue is the leafy branches start above the gutter line, and it might look weird after pruning, cut branches sticking upwards. So pruning might not be possible.
I'm also worried that in high winds the willows would bang on the roof and the gutter, poking a hole on the roof causing water damage.
I just pruned the juniper bush on the right to about half size, with a hand saw.
Prune or remove anything that can contact the house. If it is that close, remove it as it will lead to eventual damage as well as insects getting into the house.
Personally, I love the privacy and shade tress give. But when too close to the house, they must be cut back.
I prefer the third picture where the darkly looming trees flanking the front entrance have been eliminated. Their removal shows off the front entrance to better and brighter advantage and the whole front of the house just looks neater, tidier, more spacious, more welcoming and better taken care of.
When I am standing at the front door, those 2 willow trees give a really nice feel to the place. But when I'm looking at my house from the road, it looks like a pile of brick behind some bush. That is why I was thinking on pruning (with a chainsaw) the top off. The issue is the leafy branches start above the gutter line, and it might look weird after pruning, cut branches sticking upwards. So pruning might not be possible.
I'm also worried that in high winds the willows would bang on the roof and the gutter, poking a hole on the roof causing water damage.
I just pruned the juniper bush on the right to about half size, with a hand saw.
I live on nine acres of mostly trees. The aerial view of our house during summer barely shows the roof. We have only removed trees that were dead or dying.
Therefore I think your house looks beautiful just the way it is. I suspect the trees in front of the windows were planted to provide privacy so drapes can be open and people on the street cannot see in.
You might want to consider getting some guidance about pruning. Trees rarely take well to having their tops lopped off. Do not do that.
Shrubs do better when selectively pruned to let light get into the interior so inside branches can leaf out. Junipers are tricky.
A consultation with a landscape professional would help you resolve your concerns.
However, those who say do what pleases you are correct. If you would be happier taking out some of the trees, do it.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
