Sick of sycamore.

[veggiechicken]

I have no intention of felling the tree, I like trees but this one is ruining my garden. I just need to lower it.

I've found that raising the canopy by removing the lower branches gives more light than topping a tree. Would that work for you?

VC you have a wicked mind.

Most definitely

[Bill HH]

I've found that raising the canopy by removing the lower branches gives more light than topping a tree. Would that work for you?


Most definitely

Unfortunately no, because my garden is in a bear pit the sun passes behind the top part of the tree.

[bearded bloke]

From the look of that picture it won't be too long before the tree starts pushing the wall over

[AllInContainers]

From the look of that picture it won't be too long before the tree starts pushing the wall over

Which means Bill has a case for risk of potential structural damage ..... just need to work out how to best word that heavy pruning (lowering centre of gravity for increased stability, maybe) would allow the tree to remain whilst reducing the risks to the property, residents, and third parties ...

[Bill HH]

Well the tree conservation officer rang me and said I must clear up by tomorrow lunch time or the council will do it and send me the bill, I suggested he sends the bill to Wickes. I said while I have your ear I am thinking of reducing the height of this tree, "Ah I know that tree, a magnificent example" He said. "You need to fill in a form" Bugger I thought there goes any chance of pruning it. Then the tree surgeon turned up, he thought I would stand more chance of winning the London Marathon.

So looks like I am doomed to be in shadow forevermore.

In the end I went up and sawed the broken branch up myself I didn't want anyone falling over it in the dark tonight.

[Two_Sheds]

a sycamore is a 'weed' species ... you should be able to do something.

Great advice from Bertie. I like trees myself, but they can just be in the wrong place. How would a council feel about replacing a nuisance tree with something smaller and more polite? (I'm thinking rowan-size, a cherry or something for birds).

[bearded bloke]

I like that idea TS along a similar line,knowing the general area where you live Bill,if the council won't go for the idea of a smaller tree in your garden,would they let you replace it with another large variety on the boundary of the picnic field leading to the beach

[Bill HH]

Its not going to happen I am afraid. It seems the council are adamant. It has to be fetching the foundations of our house up, diseased or dangerous. It is none of those. I am resigned to living with it.
The argument that it is shading the garden is countered by "Well the tree was there when you bought the house"

[Two_Sheds]

It has to be ... diseased or dangerous.

start weeing on it

Why You Shouldn't Let Your Dog Pee on Trees - CityLab

[Bill HH]

start weeing on it

Why You Shouldn't Let Your Dog Pee on Trees - CityLab

I am not too sure I can reach the top though.

[Bigmallly]

Gees, for a small dog Chester has got a mean bladder.................

[chris]

I am not too sure I can reach the top though.

Have you not heard of the phrase 'Where there's a willy, there is a way!', Bill?

[AllInContainers]

Bucket and chuck it

[Tadpole123]

Its not going to happen I am afraid. It seems the council are adamant. It has to be fetching the foundations of our house up, diseased or dangerous. It is none of those. I am resigned to living with it.
The argument that it is shading the garden is countered by "Well the tree was there when you bought the house"

Having lived in my home for 22 years I know each and every tree around me. I have a sycamore 7' from the corner of my home in my neighbour's garden. It wasn't even a seedling when I moved in, nor a conservation area, but it is now and the tree is as tall as the roof apex now.
The back wasteland has been turned into a park. This apparently means that the enjoyment of the general public when looking at the back of my home is more important than the shade it casts or the damage it's doing or could do to my building, because the council turned down an application to prune, crown lift or remove it.
Each year early on a Sunday morning we saw away branches from the 2nd floor so we can open the windows.
The owners of next door live abroad, the tenants rent through an agent who doesn't care.
So no the council aren't always sensible even if it could/is damaging a building or drains and I didn't even mention that it blocks out all the light from 8am to 10am, then the even larger sycamore at the bottom of their garden blocks out light from 11.00am till 12.15, then the even larger one which is 2 houses tall blocks out the sun from 3.45 till 7pm on the other side of my garden. I have the shadiest south facing garden around.

We are now considering moving because of the neighbour's trees and the councils attitude towards them.

[Bill HH]

You have my sympathy, quite frankly if you are being asked to suffer on a daily basis so that others can enjoy the tree occasionally then at the very least you should be entitled to a massive reduction in your council tax. Yes we all love trees but not everyone wants one blighting their property. sycamores are particularly bad because the foliage is very dense and lets no light through.