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I have a very large conifer in the front garden of my new house. Is it as risk of falling?

NoviceGardenOwnerNoviceGardenOwner Posts: 31
in Plants
I have recently moved into my first house. There exists a very large conifer in the front garden/driveway. I'm not sure what variety it is.

It does look quite nice and I like that it provides privacy. However, it is extremely tall - it is roughly the same height as the house.

My greatest fear is that in high winds this tree would fall and damage my house, the neighbours house, cars, or children (I live next to several primary schools). Is this likely?

Is there something I should do (or, most likely get somebody in to do on my behalf) to this tree? Should the top of it be taken off for instance to provide stability?

Posts

  • ButtercupdaysButtercupdays Posts: 4,356
    It looks extremely healthy and there is no obvious reason why it should fall down in the immediate future.. It is old enough to have been tested by a number of storms.
    It will however block a lot of light to your house, though providing some privacy, as well as causing you concern. Topping it would spoil its appearance without making it safer, so really it is up to you to decide what to do. It is your tree now :)
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 1,940
    I agree with @Buttercupdays, that's a really good, healthy tree.  It's an attractive shape and not showing any signs of browning or disease.  Conifers never look good if reduced in height - I'd leave it unless it is causing your house to be too dark, particularly over winter.  Another plus is that it will also be attractive for wildlife, providing shelter for birds and invertebrates.  If you like it, let it stay!
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.
  • NoviceGardenOwnerNoviceGardenOwner Posts: 31
    Buttercupdays said:
    It looks extremely healthy and there is no obvious reason why it should fall down in the immediate future.. It is old enough to have been tested by a number of storms.
    It will however block a lot of light to your house, though providing some privacy, as well as causing you concern. Topping it would spoil its appearance without making it safer, so really it is up to you to decide what to do. It is your tree now :)

    Thankfully my house faces east, so it doesn't block any light to my house at all. By the time the sun is high enough to get past the houses opposite the house, it is already last enough in the morning that the only thing the tree casts a shadow on it my neighbour's driveway.
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