Perspective for mammoth tree in German front garden

  • Erstellt am 2017-03-26 19:19:13

R.Hotzenplotz

2017-03-26 19:19:13
  • #1
Hello,

we have purchased a property and in the front yard stands a huge sequoia!



The tree was one of the reasons for buying the property because we find it so fantastic and impressive. Now the seller told us at the notary that the tree will continue to grow. It is this tree here:

Sequoiadendron giganteum

I doubt that it will grow as large as in its native habitat, but I think one should definitely consider how to proceed now.

Preferably, the tree should remain standing. The house will be demolished and a new building erected. We are happy to align the construction a bit around the tree and also make some compromises if necessary.

BUT:
1) We are afraid that the tree might eventually fall onto the roof.
2) If we already include the tree in the planning, we would like to know what lifespan to expect and how vital the tree is. Can it even tolerate a new building with the corresponding activities in and on the ground?

I contacted three different tree experts – so far only one reply (who would have thought that this profession is apparently so busy that they don’t need to respond to customer inquiries?). The contacted company will send me a written contract for a tree report.

Question to the group:
Do we really need an expert report for our purposes? Although I haven’t received the letter in the mailbox yet; it already sounds very expensive? Does anyone have another idea how I can get a reasonable statement as cost-effectively as possible? Or should I actually invest in such a report?

Best regards
Oliver
 

truce

2017-03-26 20:38:31
  • #2


I don't think the tree will fall on your roof.
I would rather be concerned about the possible roots. See Wikipedia:

Roots

In their natural distribution area, giant sequoias form a shallow and extensive root system that does not reach very deep. The roots of older trees usually do not penetrate more than one meter deep but spread up to 30 meters sideways and can grow through areas of up to 0.3 hectares. In Central Europe, younger trees have also been found to have taproots up to 1.80 meters deep.
 

R.Hotzenplotz

2017-03-26 20:39:44
  • #3
The tree is quite close to the currently basemented house. Do you think the roots have, so to speak, adapted to the masonry basement? At least, I haven't seen any breakthroughs underneath....
 

truce

2017-03-26 20:42:15
  • #4
For this, as you mentioned, the expert would probably have to be consulted. But presumably, the roots will be lying around it. The question is also what you want to build there. With a basement or without a basement? Also the question of how it will technically look with water pipes, electricity, etc. on the property.
 

R.Hotzenplotz

2017-03-26 20:44:58
  • #5
Ok, then I will commission the expert report. I'm curious how expensive it will be.

We are still considering. Actually, it was clear to us that there should be a basement underneath. Currently, we are in talks with two architects and have different proposals. One recommends that we do without the basement and rather plan a bit more floor area due to the large plot (especially since then a small setback on the 1st floor can be better realized), the second architect can also imagine foregoing the basement but assumes that in the end we will end up with a partial basement..... (orientation talks are still ongoing).
 

Elina

2017-03-26 20:47:59
  • #6
Great tree! I would definitely want to keep it as well. Information about such trees is also available for free at online tree nurseries, e.g. [Pflanzmich]. I always ask there whenever I want to know something about certain plants (you can ask expert questions directly about the plant species and the answer is then also available online).
 

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