Sycamore Tree Information Required

[Jane_Russell]

If it was my tree, and there is no TPO then I would have it removed and plant a more suitable replacement.

Jane

[smartie]

You'd need to be sure first that it is on your land. Assuming the photo is taken from your side of the fence, the position of the fence seems to suggest it may be a neighbour's tree. Though the fence seems to curve round it on your side, so maybe not? Hmm. It it clear that it is yours?

[Jane_Russell]

It looks as though the fence dog-legs round the tree leaving it on this side of the fence but I did wonder about that myself. It's also hard to tell from that picture what exactly the tree is.

Jane

[Alan]

After looking at the pic, and if it were mine, I’d leave it there! It’s a good distance away from the house, and even if the main roots did reach it (by the size of it don’t think it will), they’d have been cut through when the house foundations and services were built (looks new to me). Looking at the size of it, and since the fence was built around it, it may have a PO on it anyway. If it hasn't, leave it for a season at least, then that’ll give a good idea of the summer canopy.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Alan

After looking at the pic, and if it were mine, I’d leave it there! It’s a good distance away from the house, and even if the main roots did reach it (by the size of it don’t think it will), they’d have been cut through when the house foundations and services were built (looks new to me). Looking at the size of it, and since the fence was built around it, it may have a PO on it anyway. If it hasn't, leave it for a season at least, then that’ll give a good idea of the summer canopy.

I agree with Alan, as usual. It's a safe distance and it is growing up rather than out which means there won't be too much shade. One problem may be that it will shade neighbouring gardens? The neighbours, in that case, would have the right to lop branches off their side. However, I note larger trees in the background so it doesn't look exceptional for the neighbourhood. Interesting that the builders left it - they usually seem to delight in killing anything that grows ....

[Hobjob]

So far no one has mentioned that sycamore can give a veritable
forest of little sycamores, arising in patio cracks and along fences.

They pull up easily enough, but I have seen people "looking after"
them not realizing they are trees and not border flowers ;-)

[Jane_Russell]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

So far no one has mentioned that sycamore can give a veritable
forest of little sycamores, arising in patio cracks and along fences.

They pull up easily enough, but I have seen people "looking after"
them not realizing they are trees and not border flowers ;-)

It was mentioned somewhere in the first 5 or 6 posts. They are a nuisance as you say.

Jane

[Garden Carpet]

Just a little side note.. if it is sycamore and you decide it must go.. contact your local wood turning group.. or someone with a sawmill. This wood is most excellent for turning. I spent part of today turning sycamore. It gives a wonderful finish. So in the event.. dont forget the woodturners
jaki

[vip49]

Originally Posted by Garden Carpet

Just a little side note.. if it is sycamore and you decide it must go.. contact your local wood turning group.. or someone with a sawmill. This wood is most excellent for turning. I spent part of today turning sycamore. It gives a wonderful finish. So in the event.. dont forget the woodturners
jaki

Thank you for your comments and I shall be leaving the tree in its position. It is on my side of the fence and it is a new build and they are only a small builder so that is why i wasn't too sure why they were reluctant to give me any info about it. There is a river behind the fence so no neighbours will be affected with the trees position.

If in the future we decide to move the tree then i shall be certain to contact the wood turners first.

Thanks all

[Cotham Marble]

There certainly does not look to be any urgent need to remove the tree - however in the longer term if it is a Sycamore it is going to outgrow its position. Being that close to the fence will present a challenge in removing the root ball and as others have suggested leaving a stump as a support for climbing plants may be a good environmental as well as a wholly practical solution.

Obviously removing the tree will involve a habitat loss to some invertabrates and birds - however you can quickly replace the over all bio mass by planting fast growing shrubs along your fence lines - and the removal of the heavy shade of the Sycamore canopy will allow planting of species that support wildlife, that would otherwise not survive in the shade. To bring the birds back into the graden try to include some plants that reach at least 3 metres.

One thing you should ensure though before considering removing the tree - even though there is unlikely to be a Tree Preservation Order on a Sycamore - as your house in a new build you should get your Conveyancer to check that there is not some local condition that prevents you from removing any standing trees.

CM