Question
Leaf 1
Hello,
I live in a condominium in New Jersey that is comprised of 3 buildings. Each building is comprised of 8-10 individually owned, 2 story units.
In the Common Area behind my unit there is a tree that I believe to be a pin oak, but I have included a photo of a leaf from this tree, and hope you can identify/verify the type of tree it is.
This tree was here when I bought my unit in 2004, although it was obviously much smaller at that time. As it has grown, so have my concerns about the suitability of this type of tree for the spot where it is located.
I am concerned about the proximity to my building, as the trunk of the tree is only 12 feet from the building, and the branches/limbs are, obviously, much closer than that. I wanted to include another photo, but could not figure out how to upload more than one photo.
It doesn抰 seem to me that there is enough space between the tree and the building, given the expected height and spread of this tree when it is fully grown.
The tree抯 proximity to my patio and my next door neighbor抯 patio is also a concern. Is the patio likely to be uplifted by the roots of the tree at some point?
Our Condo Association does not have very much money (and what money we do have is needed for high priority items, such as new roofs), and if this tree is not in a viable location, it would be best, from a cost perspective, for us to remove it now, since the smaller the tree, the less expensive it is to remove it. Due to our budget situation, cost needs to be a major factor in every decision we make.
If the tree is not removed, can we anticipate a great deal of pruning will be necessary as it grows, in order to keep the limbs and branches a safe distance from the building and roofs? What distance from a building and roofs should the branches/limbs is recommended for this type of tree?
I also have concerns about the condition of the tree, as I don抰 believe it has ever been pruned. From what I have been reading, this can create many potential points of structural failure. I wanted to attach a picture of the entire tree, so you would be able to see it, but again, could not figure out how to attach more than one photo.
Any information/advice/guidance you can provide would be very much appreciated. Let me know if any additional pictures or measurements would help.
Thank you!
AnswerPin oaks are not usually a problem tree for sidewalks or patios. They can have a spread of about 25-40 feet at maturity--meaning the limbs will extend about 12-20 feet on a side. Being they are 12 feet from the building over time the lower limbs will rub the building. This can be taken care of by pruning the lower limbs as they start to reach the building. A safe distance is not touching the building--to give some leeway for the wind I would say 2 feet from the structure. No need to worry about this until the tree grows and limbs near the structure. Then the lower limbs can be cut back to the trunk and it should be ok. At most this is a once a year or every other year deal.
Trees are best grown without any pruning so just because it has never been pruned does not mean it is not sound and proper pruning techniques will insure it will survive for many many tears IF you do prune the lower limbs. Just do not prune the top or you can have serious health problem with the tree. If I am off base with what you have described send another picture of the tree and the building.
