removal of a tree

well had a letter the other day from local electricity comp saying they would like to cut down the tree in my front yard as its starting to cause problems with the lines


this is a 90 ft tall norfolk pine took a lot of discussion with family and
friends before i decided to say yes mainly cause they are paying for all the work and will cover any damage done while removing it but as i am still not sure doing the right thing as it is a great tree and looks terrific and have always used it for directions etc , you know , yes its the hse in the st with the big pine tree and also throws a lot of shade as well

But it is a pain as well as the roots are lifting the driveway and also drops two million pine needles and pine cones each yr and i know taht some time in the future i will have to haVE it cut down but still think i will miss it when it is gone and it will be a big operation as the power has to be disconnected etc to do so

as its a very small front yard and the tree is right on the fence ( about a metre in ) but with only a couple of meters between it and the front of hse its really in the wrong spot

have ask them if i can get some of the timber from it as well and they are quite happy to let me take any i want

might also contact the local wood turners club and see if any of them want some as well but not sure its any good for that

Mate, they're paying for it, you'll score some free wood, it's causing problems and if you keep your video camera running you might make some money on Funniest Home Videos. Ya can't lose. Sure, a tree's gone, but it sounds like it shouldn't be there and you'll be able to plant something that should be.

Richard

Yeah agree with Daddles. Sounds like a win/win to me.
Can't tell you anything about the quality of the wood though. I'm sure the local turners would appreciate the wood or tell you if it is only good for firewood.

Tony

I think you have given plenty of reasons y this tree should go. It will no doubt be a shame to see it go but when they get too big they cause plenty of very expensive problems.
At least the power company is paying . If you are considering keeping any timber be aware it is very sappy and the possablality of borers attacking while it is drying

I know a few woodturners in USA who would give their first-born child for a good lump of Norfolk Island Pine. Possibly similar in Oz. I suggest you post a link to this thread in the Woodturning - General forum, with a suggested title something like "Norfolk Pine available."

Joe

on norfolk island i saw thins turned out of the knots. Didn't look or feel like wood so much resin in it.
I milled some with a Lucus mill the woods cuts fast but the resin impregnated knots smashes off my tungsten tips, so had to cut slowly. ended up scrapping it, hoop pine seems better to mill.
and yes they have a few very large roots near the surface and often do a lot of damage