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Dead tree?

kieran.bettskieran.betts Posts: 7
in Problem solving
I have a large tree in the back portion of my front garden, I am not totally sure what type of tree it is (although the leaves look similar to maple leaves). I've noticed the leaves are all covered in large black spots dotted over them and along the branches aswell and have been for a few years now. I was wondering does this mean the tree is dead? And would it be best to remove it? The leaves grow back fine every spring still and the tree still seems to be relatively strong. I would certainly be reluctant to cut down the tree as it does bring some minor, valued privacy to that section of the garden. Just wondered if anyone would have an idea to what the problem is and furthermore what would be the best solution? Many Thanks, Kieran.

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    Could perhaps be a sycamore with Tar spot? This is disfiguring but not a death sentence. It could even be a self seeded one.
    If I've guessed right, it's really not a tree for most front gardens, and if it is unattractive as well, you would be better off removing it and planting something you actually like!
  • WaysideWayside Posts: 845
    A click-able link for us blindies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhytisma_acerinum
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree with pansyface and B'cupdays. 
    They're very tough trees, and can withstand most pests, and other abuse, but they get huge, so it may be worth considering it's removal, if it's near the house.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • kieran.bettskieran.betts Posts: 7
    Hi guys, thank you for your comments. It is exactly what Pansyface posted,certainly it is a maple tree and the leaves have the exact same spots as the photo shows. So thank you for helping me clear that up! And I'm glad to know it's nothing to worry about. It is quite a large tree (about the same height as our house itself), and we are having a bit of trouble with the exterior walls of the house on that side (small cracks appearing in the brickwork) and has been suggested it may be the tree roots causing them, so I may have to end up removing it anyway! But again thanks for the advice. 
  • WaysideWayside Posts: 845
    I have a self seeded one that is house height in just 6 years.  I felt a little sorry for the young whip, and left it.  Amazing trees, but probably better swapped for something smaller unless you have the space.
  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,546
    Get shot of it!
    It won't stop at house height, it will carry on up and grow as broad as it is tall. It will cast deep shade during summer, make your house dark, impoverish the soil for all other plants and drop loads of leaves every autumn. If it is potentially endangering your house too, then it is just not worth it.

    I actually have several sycamores in my garden and I love them - they are beautiful trees when mature. Ours are probably around 60-70 years old, maybe a bit more, but we have a rural property with a large garden and fields attached, so they have the space to grow.
  • TopbirdTopbird Posts: 8,355
    Definitely get some professional advice before removing the tree.
    'Subsidence' caused by a tree taking moisture from heavy soil can be a serious issue for houses.
    'Heave' results from excess moisture 'filling' previously dried out soil after a tree is removed. It can be just as damaging as subsidence. 
    Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    We too have a very large maple planted (unfortunately not ours but the Council's) near our house which is at least 50 years old and probably 40-50ft high. If yours is nearer your house than it is tall, then yes, I would seek professional advice about having it removed. I don't think "heave" is as much a problem as it is sometimes made out to be, according to a recent report I read somewhere. If it is already causing problems with your house, you "may" be covered by house insurance, although there's usually a hefty sum to pay towards it.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • kieran.bettskieran.betts Posts: 7
    Hi Lizzie, yes ours was also planted by the council (why they chose too baffles me), It is about only 15 ft from the side of the house and all we've had these past few years is constant problems with that side of the property (interior and exterior brickwork) cracking and causing leaks when raining which subsequently attracted mould to try to start to form. After a lot of work having steel rods put into the walls aswell as Cavity wall insulation and then having to replace old bricks with new, I'm praying they don't start to crack again! Originally I wasn't sure, but I think next port of call will be to remove the tree! Thanks again for your comments. 
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