I have a small front garden with a goat willow on my side of the property boundary. The willow is multi stemmed and has grown up to a height of about a two storey house with a considerable spread as well. I understand it is about 10-12 years old.
This tree is about 20 foot from my house and only 3 foot from my neighbour's house.
My house was built 17 years ago and the neighbour's about 80-100 years ago. So both buildings pre-date the tree being planted.
The tree is much too big for the site and much too close to both our properties, especially the neighbours and my instinct is (even though I love trees) to remove it in order to prevent damage from future growth.
I am thinking of having the tree felled and the stump treated.
However, we are on clay soil and I'm concerned that felling the tree may result in heave of the soil.
I understand this usually only happens if the tree in question pre-dates the construction of the nearby buildings. Is this right?
Any advice would be gratefully received. As I've said, I love trees, but I really think this one is in a totally unsuitable place and has been left to grow with no proper management.
