Assessing Leaning Tulip Poplar Risk to Neighbor's House

12" diameter tulip poplar leaning 10° toward neighbor's house. In grove, dry solid ground, healthy. Neighbor claims shallow roots = danger.

Risk Assessment

• 10° lean = not inherently dangerous.
• Check for: cracked soil, exposed roots (recent lean), >50% roots severed, lean >45° over target.
• Long-term lean with compensatory growth = strong roots.

Recommendation

Call state forestry agency for on-site evaluation by a forester. From description, tree likely not a hazard. Provides privacy, energy savings, visual barrier.