I have a spruce in my yard that we estimate to be about 80 years old (based on a picture we found of my mother standing next to it when it was about 7 feet tall). It towers over the 3 story house so we're guessing about 70-80 feet? The problem is that it's right next to the house and next to the front sidewalk which is next to a busy road. As much as I like this tree we're getting nervous about its age based on its location. It looks healthy enough (there's a place where it looks like a woodpecker really got after the trunk) but I don't know what age is "normal" for an urbanized tree. After reading these forums I understand about targets and there really is no direction this tree could safely fall without hitting a building or the road. Help?

Reply to post by Susan, on April 04, 2001 at 14:29:13:

At the campus where I work there are many old trees that could potentially strike a building or any of the thousands of people who occupy the space throughout the day.
An important part of risk analysis, besides target assessment, has to do with identifying likely failure ahead of time.
I would not take the age of a tree as a single factor in determining risk of failure.
Your concerns should be addressed to someone(s), with professional standing, who can do a risk evaluation for you.
They should be able to explain all the factors upon which they base their conclusions.
A large old tree in an urban environment may have great value.
It would be a shame to remove it without good cause.
However, if your concerns are founded in real evidence of hazardous condition, then the wise thing would be to mitigate the hazard.
Any history of large branch shedding, changes in the upright stature of the trunk, cracks, shelf fungus on the trunk, or mushrooms near the base could be clues of serious potential for failure.
Also, any activities that may have damaged the root system, such as excavation, soil compaction, or grade change, may give you reason to investigate the health and stability of the roots.
If the original rooting area has been reduced or paved over, that could lead to premature decline of the tree.
In the absence of these kinds of signs, the simple great height of the tree may, in itself, pose no excessive risk, IMHO.

Reply to post by Mark Goodwin, on April 04, 2001 at 14:29:13:

Mark, thanks for your response. I really don't want to take it out but you've given me more to look at with regards to possible hazards. Actually, it was there before roads were paved and a city-wide sewer system was put in. I'll take another look and call the county extension agency.

Reply to post by Susan, on April 04, 2001 at 14:29:13:

susan, you should probably have a consulting arborist look at it before making a decision. Find a qualified arborist who does not have any stake in the outcome- who won't be bidding on the care of the tree.

The American Society of Consulting Arborists can recommend highly qualified arborists and consultants in your area. Their web site and database is at

http://www.asca-consultants.org

or contact the main office at

American Society of Consulting Arborists
15245 Shady Grove Road
Suite 130
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 947-0483