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Eucalyptus- would it fall? Management?

rosenalmonetzrosenalmonetz Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Hi would anyone on this forum be concerned about this Eucalyptus tree in the backyard of a new property I acquired. I am mainly concerned of it falling one day. Also are these trees a nuisance in general. Its 100 years old so I feel bad just totally cutting down. I was curious if someone knowledgeable about these trees could give their 2 cents. 

Thank you






Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    edited April 2021
    You need a tree expert to come and assess it, can't really be done from a photo maybe it should have been looked at before you bought.
    It's not growing in the UK is it?




  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    I had a 100ft+ blue gum in my garden that I had felled due to concerns that it may blow over in high winds.
    The tree surgeon said he'd seen many similar sized trees over the years, he said he was never aware of a eucalyptus being blown over due to their vast root system.

    I did have 50ft removed from the top a few years earlier - but it just kept growing upward and sideways, so I had it taken down

    I'd agree that the best route would be to ask a tree surgeon

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    "Also are these trees a nuisance in general."

    Are they native to where you live?
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    @Pat E lives and gardens on a huge acreage in Oz and regularly has eucalyptus blown over in storms and that need clearing away to keep emergency access clear in the case of bush fires.   No idea how old they would be when this happens no if they are the same variety as yours.

    I agree you need a qualified tree surgeon or 3 to come and inspect your tree and advise and, if necessary, give estimates of costs to shorten, pollard, stool or remove it.  Good tree surgeons have the necessary experience, equipment and insurance to advise and then carry out the necessary work.

    You may want to check your own insurance policies for possible damage if the tree does fall if you take no action.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Pat EPat E Posts: 12,316
    Hi folks. Sorry I didn’t see your post earlier. I’d never recommend growing any of the Eucalyptus species in or near houses or suburban gardens. They are notorious branch droppers and/or completely fall over in high winds. 



    This one that blew over one of our fences recently. 

    S. E. NSW
  • Pat EPat E Posts: 12,316
    Ps. As it’s now 12.40 am here, I won’t be awake for the next several hours to say more. Catch up in the morning. 😃
    S. E. NSW
  • rosenalmonetzrosenalmonetz Posts: 3
    K67 said:
    You need a tree expert to come and assess it, can't really be done from a photo maybe it should have been looked at before you bought.
    It's not growing in the UK is it?




    I was told its not such a big deal to take it down. So I was ok with it. Its just moving forward, I was thinking its better to just remove it.
  • rosenalmonetzrosenalmonetz Posts: 3
    Pat E said:
    Hi folks. Sorry I didn’t see your post earlier. I’d never recommend growing any of the Eucalyptus species in or near houses or suburban gardens. They are notorious branch droppers and/or completely fall over in high winds. 



    This one that blew over one of our fences recently. 

    Yeah they arent a native species but in this area they are kind of popular. I agree these trees are a liability.
  • Chris-P-BaconChris-P-Bacon Posts: 943
    Given the right conditions trees like Eucalyptus can make lovely specimen trees. 
    The critical point though is right conditions. Ignorance of growing conditions, speed of growth, spread etc doesn't necessarily make them a liability in my view. Same can be said for a lot of trees though I suppose.
    I can only say what I would do (I wont cut a tree down unless it's the last resort).
    Get a tree surgeon to crown thin & crown reduce (I'm assuming it's not diseased).
    Yes they do drop a lot of foliage and the odd branch (dependant on species) but no more really than a deciduous tree.
    Purely based on the photos this tree has as much chance of falling as any other in your garden. A good tree surgeon will make this look great and reduce its chance of breaking due to high winds. Choose one carefully though..you get you pay for.



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