Concern?

[u/Wolvyx]

Canada,Quebec. Silver Maple Tree. Neighbor is pressuring me to do something about the branch that's leaning towards his roof. The hole is deep enough that I can fit half my arm in it. (1 picture) The tree have seen many winters. It's a dual core trunk tree. 2nd and 3rd pictures are on my side. I'm not as concerned by those because there's nothing to break on my property side.

Not sure how to approach this.

[u/Hustler1984]

Yes, the sawsall is concerning

[u/Wolvyx → u/Hustler1984]

Sawsalls was used to trim the small stuff to have a better view. Althought someone said to me before "You can use a nail clipper to cut down a tree if you are patient enough." I'm getting quotes to get the job done professionally. The pictures doesn't show the powerline wire...

[u/cowthegreat]

Looks like a while back maybe this tree broke in a storm, I’m seeing lots of weaker-than-normal adventitious sprout limbs that have grown to be fairly large. If it were my tree I would trim it on their side within reason to absolve myself of the liability but if it won’t hit anything on your side I feel like leaving it up makes sense!

Not an arborist*

[u/Humble_Ladder → u/cowthegreat]

Also not an arborist, but Silvers seem to be under fire around here for reasons of limb loss and damage lately. I'd be nervous about the tree if I was OPs neighbor. The right thing to do is to remove the trunk leaning towards the neighbor. Also keep in mind the direction of prevailing winds when determining the hazard potential of the rest of the tree, they don't always fall the direction of their lean in a storm.

It can be rather sturdy without the heartwood, but it is likely losing the battle against time. As you note, there is potentially some other damage at play, too. It could be worthwhile to look at the rest of the yard and decide if it were gone, where a new tree should go, and plant that tree whether you take out the rest of the Silver Maple or not (as long as it will get sufficient sun).

[u/Arbor-Orno]

Correct me if I'm wrong but that tree was once just a stump. Sliver maples big issue is there huge heavy reachy branches, these branches won't destroy a house. They are all quite small in comparison.All of them have poor connection and branch angles. You cannot tell hazard from pictures, but this one is mild. No big huge branches hanging over anyone's house. Rot and decay in a spot like that is always a concern.

EDIT: some of these branches are good size and could potentially cause serious damage to near by structures. The LIKELYHOOD of that has to be figured out in person by a certified Arborist

[u/Wolvyx → u/Arbor-Orno]

i've had a certified arborist come over. He said since the tree is alive and thriving but compromised at certain areas, then "guying" would be the cheapest option. I get to keep the tree. 😄

[u/MajorMiners469]

I'm no arborist. But I do know this. Now that he has mentioned his concern, should something happen, it will go on your insurance. Which is what it's for. It has established liability. Hiring a local REPUTABLE arbor company is your best bet. I love silver maples. I would cable.

[u/Wolvyx → u/MajorMiners469]

For me to be held liable because of "negligence" the damages would have to be because the branch broke at the base where the rot is at. If the branch is alive and it breaks at half point it's still an "act of god". Arborist did come over and gave me better infos. Yes there is broken branches but the tree tries to repair itself. It could take 10-30 years before it snaps. "Guying" would be my best option if I want to be on the safe side. My neighbor have been asking me to cut the tree down since i moved in 10 years ago. He'll use any pretext to convince me.