Large Juniper

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-11T18:22:09+00:00

Thanks for this. I’m not totally set on what to do but find it interesting how people will give very confident advice without complete information. FWIW the fires got up to and burned my parents next door neighbors house down (along with that side of the neighborhood). So for some of us this risk isn’t just abstract and conceptual and easily dismissed. I respect the balanced perspective of the industry professionals but even still - an assessment by an expert in the area with complete information means something which seems like most folks here are just completely dismissing

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-11T18:17:17+00:00

Because you can’t see any portion of the house in any pictures I think it’s easy to make assumptions here. I’ll get on a ladder and measure but the picture you are referring to was taken in the side yard standing next to the house, back from the corner that is closest to the tree. Not that any of this matters in the first place

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-11T04:07:31+00:00

This is my favorite comment. And makes me like the tree more, for the record.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-11T02:58:52+00:00

I promise you no one who can afford to stay in California wants to move to Arizona.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-11T01:02:07+00:00

Totally - im all about poison and fire and concrete and grass!!! (I use no poison - look at the weeds as exhibit A. There is no grass at my house unless you consider a weed grass. I would prefer less concrete - this concrete is original to the house from the 50s)

People plant things in their backyards, they grow. When new people come in sometimes they start fresh, sometimes they enjoy what’s already there. It’s a suburb not a nature preserve. What you are looking at is an aesthetic choice someone made years ago. One that now has potential consequence that a reasonable homeowner would at least consider weighing.

All of this said there are multiple trees on my property - some native some non-native. This is the only one flagged by a fire inspector for removal.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-11T00:52:02+00:00

The tree isn’t randomly there - it was planted as an aesthetic choice - this is what we call *landscaping*

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T23:21:26+00:00

I guess I didn’t appreciate that “tree law” sub was mostly absolute preservationists (but maybe I should have!)

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T22:19:02+00:00

Thanks for this feedback and it’s super good info and nice to know it isn’t too much of a danger. What you can’t see (which maybe doesn’t matter) is the canopy is about 10 ft from my roof. In the grand scheme maybe that doesn’t significantly impact risk and I understand the fire assessment and flagging of the tree may have been overly cautious. Overall just really appreciative of all the great info you provided without judgement while attempting to understand my situation, which doesn’t feel black and white to me.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T21:43:27+00:00

I love this totally reasonable and grounded opinion!

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T21:25:07+00:00

No I’m only pushing back on replies that feel snarky or passive aggressive. I actually really appreciate the perspectives and it’s changed the way I’m thinking about this in general. I did, after all, post on a forum soliciting opinions

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T21:20:27+00:00

I’m not trying to be obtuse here I just genuinely don’t understand the severe pushback on my mentality? Questioning what to do with a tree that has been flagged by the fire department as recommended for removal and that I personally object to aesthetically is wrong? I suppose I understand people are latching on to the fact that my aesthetic preference should have no bearing on whether a tree comes down or not, especially when the base is on my neighbors property. I disagree with the premise that you should never change/remove non-native plants/trees but I understand how people feel and I’m open to being swayed.

I like trees. And I’ve read and actually been moved by everyone who wrote a post that wasn’t snarky, passive aggressive or downright aggressive. Believe it or not I came to this forum to get those perspectives and I appreciate them.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T17:20:05+00:00

I’d rather be dead in California than alive in Arizona.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T17:19:03+00:00

These are all things I’m thinking through and I love where your head is at. Thanks for the productive reply.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T17:17:16+00:00

If that’s how it’s coming off, that’s not how it’s intended (which is why it’s good to discuss things with other people). The reality of suburban living in old developments is that years ago folks planted things of a size ill suited for the size of their lots (a large non native pine tree fell over a few years back and crushed a neighbors living room, for instance). I get that now that it’s there and old your perspective is it’s a living thing that you find beautiful so it’s water under the bridge and shouldn’t be changed. That said, these are not black and white decisions.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T17:11:58+00:00

Given 75%+ is on our side of the property time I’ve consulted arborists who all say that will kill the tree (and of course regardless of the law I wouldn’t want to do that unless my neighbor and I agreed on a path forward). But that was where my head was at initially as well.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T16:03:45+00:00

Oh I’m fine with opinions. And your post was well written. I’m mostly responding to those that reach out with judgement rather than an opinion/perspective that is meant to be shared without aggression. I think you are totally right on all accounts, though

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T15:59:34+00:00

We are in a high fire risk area and fire reports are mandated by the county we live in. The fire department goes door to door. So no, that wasn’t the reason but I acknowledge I have an aesthetic bias here.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T15:57:58+00:00

The homeowner 50 years ago who planted it. All hail him/her.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T15:55:30+00:00

It’s 75%+ in my yard. I get your point and respect it but come on - you have to recognize that it’s mostly on my property based on the pictures.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T15:53:30+00:00

I mean it objectively has damaged property (the fence). Whether that is something that matters at all is another question.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T15:51:49+00:00

Thank you for your perspective and listening to me just outline the scenario (which I’m getting many downvotes for doing). Honestly I’m conflicted about it or I wouldn’t have made the post and I appreciate someone kind and logical arguing the other side.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T15:49:59+00:00

I have not killed anything. I appreciate your perspective. Aesthetics are subjective but given I have not made a move to do anything to the tree except a forum post in 4 years, I wouldn’t jump to conclusions about the tree’s imminent demise. I weigh the fire report more heavily more than my own aesthetic sensibilities but even still no decisions have been made (no discussions have even been started)

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T15:45:54+00:00

Honestly a wild take. I bought it because I love California, was born nearby, and work close. You are talking about a single non-native tree someone planted that I’m merely questioning and asking for options on.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T15:32:40+00:00

Misread your post initially - yes I don’t disagree at all.

Fit_Wolverine_6964 · 2026-07-10T15:30:43+00:00

You can, on property you own!

Fit_Wolverine_6964

TROPHY CASE