I need to have a huge tree cut because it is causing damage to the house foundation. I was told it is better to cut it to 4-5 feet so the roots will die slowly. Since the tree sucks up the moisture from the soil, removing it at once might cause problems. Is this true?

Hi! Rouklaire, and welcome to AMHD :)

I need to have a huge tree cut because it is causing damage to the house foundation. I was told it is better to cut it to 4-5 feet so the roots will die slowly. Since the tree sucks up the moisture from the soil, removing it at once might cause problems. Is this true?If I understand correctly, your afraid of trading one problem for another.

On the one hand, you have a large tree that you know is damaging your foundation.

On the other, If you cut it down, the moisture that the tree consumed will propagate to the foundation wall, causing a water problem.

There is also a third angle here 'bout, weight of the tree/soil density/drainage /and the change of the weight distribution of the soil against the foundation wall. That pretty much sums up your situation in.

I have seen instances when, after a tree was felled, water would accumulate at the stump, but only to a point that made the soil soggy, but the felling site was already in a depression.

The only advantage of leaving the stump at 4 to 5' is to give you leverage, if your going to dig the stump out. At that height the tree will continue to sprout, and possibly continue to grow. Death might arrive 4years later.

Not sure what kind of time line you have, but my suggestion would be; To bring in at least two tree services, and get estimates on having the tree felled, and the stump ground out.
Make sure you ask them their opinion/experience on situations like yours. I know it's expensive, but then you would have a better understanding on weather or not you want to tackle this yourself or have one of them do it.

If a problem does happen when the tree is dropped it would be easier to let their insurance handle it.

I did search at this (http://www.tree-care.info/cms/index.php?section=1), and several other sites, but couldn't find anything to fit your question exactly. If I missed something, please post back.

K

Thank you for your answer. I am going to have this tree cut, just wanted to know how to go about it i.e. take it out all together or leave 4-5 feet and have the stump removed at a later date. If I understand you correctly, it would'nt make a big difference. My next question would be is this a good time of year to have this done?

Thank you for your answer. I am going to have this tree cut, just wanted to know how to go about it i.e. take it out all together or leave 4-5 feet and have the stump removed at a later date. If I understand you correctly, it would'nt make a big difference. My next question would be is this a good time of year to have this done?Your welcome!

I am going to have this tree cut,Your having the pros come in and do it.

My next question would be is this a good time of year to have this done?Sure, Why not? You have a tree damaging your house, the only thing that would stop you would be snow, and ice or a snow and ice-storm.
The pros shutdown for bad weather, and some switch over to removal, unless in an emergency, for a storm damaged tree.

K

Thanks

Your welcome