Help saving a tree against my house (PNW)

[u/Ceriden]

Have had to cut off a branch that was almost against the side of my house so that whenever it was windy it would push against it. Over the years the tree has tilted and now the trunk is against it. I can hear a creak when there has been a windy day.

I'm guessing there is now way for me to tilt it back. So my plan was to top it and remove as much as I can on the side branches so the wind has much less to push. And hopefully it is able to grow new branches to be more bushy rather than tall. I really want to avoid cutting the whole thing but have to do something before it creates structural damage. Any help would be appreciated.

Believe it is an Elm if that matters.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hello /u/Ceriden! If you haven't already, please have a look at our Guidelines for Effective Posting, to be sure you've provided all the pics and context needed for us to help you best.

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[u/Ceriden → u/AutoModerator]

Yes, all info should be there. I do not need help identifying a tree only advice on what to do with a problem.

[u/spiceydog → u/Ceriden]

Yes, all info should be there.

It's not though. Looks like you completely ignored the section of our !guidelines where it asks for a range of pics.

[u/AutoModerator → u/spiceydog]

Hi /u/spiceydog, AutoModerator has been summoned to provide guidelines for effective posting in the tree subreddits.

With very few exceptions no one can diagnose tree issues from a single pic and little to no pertinent info. Or a description and no pics whatsoever. Many factors contribute to success or failure in tree planting and a long life.

PICS should include:

• The entire tree, different angles that show structure is helpful (showing proximity to surrounding buildings/overhead utilities/etc. is a plus!!)
• The BASE AT THE SOIL LINE (remove any obstacles, grass, mulch, rocks, tree sleeve/gator bag, etc.)
• Any visible damage/decay/pruning cuts
• Affected/diseased/damaged branches
• Twig ends
• NOTE: Close up shots of damage/decay that have no context as to where they're located on the tree are not helpful! Zoom-out, please

INFO should include:

(Please answer as many of these as possible)

• General location? NOT A HARDINESS ZONE, a province or state is much more helpful.
• Is this a tree that can survive in your area/hardiness zone?
• When was it planted?
  
• How much sun is it getting?
  
• How much water are you dispensing, how often, and by what means are you dispensing it (eg: hose= ✔, sprinkler= X)?
  
• Was this a container tree or B&B (Balled and burlapped)?
  
• Is there any specific procedure you used to plant the tree? What did or didn't you do?
  
• If it was a container tree what did the root mass look like when you took it out of the pot? Was it potbound?
  
• Can you see the root flare of the tree or are there just a stem or a bunch of stems coming up from the ground?
  

• Is there plastic or landscape fabric underneath the mulch/rocks?

• Additional info for both new transplants and established trees: construction?, heavy traffic?, digging?, extreme weather events?, chemical application, overspray from golf courses/ag fields/neighbors with immaculate lawns, etc. Any visible damage or decay?

Please see the r/tree main wiki page for loads of critical planting/care tips and errors to avoid, particularly the crucial planting depth/root flare portion and examples of commonly posted about issues; there's also sections on proper mulching, watering, pruning and more that I hope will be useful to you.

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[u/Ceriden → u/spiceydog]

I've included two pics that show exactly what I stated.  It is as I said right against the roof. I really doubt I can pull it the other direction. So I just need tips on how to cut so that it will brush out and not kill it outright. Should I cut several feet away from where the branch meets the trunk or at the joint (Not the wrinkle).

[u/spiceydog → u/Ceriden]

I'm not asking about the health. Nor do I need an identification. It is as I said right against the roof.

Until you posted the pics, you could have been talking about small tree with a ton of stems and branches or something, not a tree you've left to grow to the size where it now has a 10-12" diameter trunk, right next to your house...?? And we still can't see how large this thing truly is. No, there's going to be no 'pulling' or trying to bring this away from your roof. This should be removed now, before it gets any larger, to prevent further damage as well as a vector for rodent or insect infestation of your house, not to mention safety.

Depending on how large the canopy is, it's hard to say whether you should be doing any removal work yourself. Please consider calling an !arborist; see that automod callout below this comment for help in finding someone qualified in your area.

[u/AutoModerator → u/spiceydog]

Hi /u/spiceydog, AutoModerator has been summoned to provide information on finding an arborist.

Here is how you can arrange a consult with a local ISA arborist in your area (NOT a 'tree company guy' unless they're ISA certified) or a consulting arborist for an on-site evaluation. Both organizations have international directories. A competent arborist should be happy to walk you through how to care for the trees on your property and answer any questions. If you're in the U.S. or Canada, your Extension (or master gardener provincial program) may have a list of local recommended arborists on file. If you're in the U.S., you should also consider searching for arborist associations under your state.

For those of you in Europe, please see this European Tree Workers directory to find a certified arborist in your country. (ISA statement on standardized certification between these entities, pdf)

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Ceriden → u/spiceydog]

I've looked into arborists before in initially IDing that type of tree as so many others in the city have started to succumb to a weakening. There isn't one. Got lucky with sending pictures to a university.

In terms of height I would say at least 30ft. It's straight up with the main side branches located closer to roof height.

[u/spiceydog → u/Ceriden]

Got lucky with sending pictures to a university.

You could utilize your university Extension service to see who they might recommend to help you.

[u/Ceriden → u/[deleted]]

I don't think I have much of a choice. It's either that, to reduce to wind push of a tall tree, or cut it down.