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Giant oak tree in front yard
We have an oak tree smack dab in the middle of our front yard. Right in front of the center of the house. When we moved in 5 years ago, I wasn't too concerned with it - most of the landscaping was neglected so I have been working hard to just get everything under control (hedges, trimming things back, etc).
I have basic complaints about this tree: it is becoming enormous, it is shaggy, branches hang over the driveway (lower ones get trimmed), it has a ton of low branches (again, I have trimmed many), it hangs to its dead brown leaves all winter..
But overall at this point it is just enormous. Every time I see one of those home improvement shows, it seems like they recommend against these huge trees that "shroud" a house.. without doing a PIP, would you say go ahead and cut it down? Our yard is not that big, so the tree pretty much consumes the entire front yard.
Re: Giant oak tree in front yard
Personally, I like mature trees (they provide homes for many creatures, especially the woodpeckers that I love). The placement of yours sounds unfortunate, but without a picture it's hard to comment on whether or not I'd remove it.
Note: cutting down a mature oak will cost a couple of thousand dollars.
Just because the sheer cost alone, no, I wouldn't cut it down. I'd get it professionally trimmed and appreciate it.
My next door neighbor had one taking over his entire back yard and I loved it. I had to have it trimmed back when it was hitting my house, but other than that it was lovely.
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Not that you need anybody to give you permission, but I have nothing against the tree. I've read this a few times and I don't really understand why you hate it so much (it's "shaggy"??).
I can't see it, or your house. I did graduate design school, and there was no mention of house shrouding as a design principle. Haven't heard that discussed on TV either, but it doesn't matter to me what other designers think. I disagree with plenty of them (we all have different opinions). Does it block the front door? Because that's all I've got as far as design principles to consider.
Most Oaks have lots of low branches, and they frequently point downward. It is a characteristic growth habit of some Oaks, as is winter leaf persistance. If it makes you feel better, the low branches protect it from disease and mechanical injury, and keep it stable in storms. I'd probably think it was lovely... but, it ain't my tree.
No, I wouldn't cut down the tree. I love mature trees and dappled shade in the summer so I would try to work with it. But if the tree is huge and shading your house you could probably have a professional come out and cut some of the branches off for you. Then you get some shade but it doesn't overwhelm the front yard.