I have a beautiful 25-30' high blue spruce that I need to cut down?

Question

My septic field is next to this tree and the septic guy said it should really be cut down so it's roots don't damage my septic field. I hate to kill this beautiful tree! Is it possible to have a nursery come get it and move it? Can I sell it to a nursery? I even thought of it being a nice town-Christmas tree but then that would mean killing it......but I might have no choice? I actually have 2 of them but the other might be a safe distance away from the field... We didn't plant it there (former owners did) and I guess they weren't thinking! What should I do?

Answer 1

first, get a qualified arborist in to examine your possibilities.... what the 'septic guy' said might be true, but then again, it might not be..... ask if a 'barrier' could be installed without harm to the tree..(pine roots don't go terrribly deep)... in which case you'd dig a trench and basically make a wall underground that the roots couldn't get thru, between the tree and the septic field.... gonna cost a little, but would save the tree if there's room.... otherwise, your idea of using it as the town tree at xmas sounds good... but....if a nursery was to take the tree, the machinery to get that tree out of the ground is gonna be some big heavy stuff and that would do more damage to the septic field than the trees if they drove it too close....
how far is the tree from the actual lines?... something is making me think that at the size they are now, if they haven't caused problems already, they're not going to.... but do have the arborist tell you for sure, ok?.. like you, I'd hate for that tree to be lost without real cause.....

Answer 2

The problem with selling it is that the equipment needed to come in and cut the root ball and lift the tree out may be too heavy and damage the septic field also depending on how it comes in. You will have to outline the field and call a nursery guy to see if it is possible - then if the nursery doesn't want it, consider a private sale with the buyer paying the moving cost.

Answer 3

Is this the cause of current septic problems? Some trees are more of a problem than others like willows. If the tree is near the septic tank I would consider taking it out, but if it was at the end of the field I don't think I would. RScott

Answer 4

Check out every option before cutting it down.
Sometimes lumber company's will pay for the tree and take it. Example neighbors had two Norwegian spruce. Company bought them dug them up and filled in the holes.
Contact a nursery or lumber company.
Below are several links, just start to contact and ask that they also suggest someone. Eventually someone will get the word.
http://www.sierrapacificind.com/
http://www.wildcalifornia.org/PacificLumber/
http://www.mopaclumber.com/

Answer 5

Get a 2nd opinion before you cut the tree down. It might not damage your field. As I recall, evergreeens are very shallow rooted.

Answer 6

I decrease mine 8' extreme on the section subsequent to the driveway. That grew to become into 9 years in the past.we've moved and the tree continues to be there. Chicago, Illinois suburb. The sap from the tree could desire to heal the cuts.

Answer 7

you should not take the advice of a Septic guy call your city or county forestry agent or an arborist and get an opinion that counts, we have a city forestry guy here in Ft Worth good luck from TEXAS

Answer 8

Get Paul Bunyan

Answer 9

its sad but cut it down, then reconcile yourself by planting 2 new saplings.

Answer 10

cut it down and replant another one elsewhere on your lawn.