u/TruckCAN-Bus

have an American sycamore in my backyard. It was planted before I moved in 7-8 years ago and it’s grown very large. It’s never really been pruned other than some very low branches.

I’m trying to keep some grass growing in that area, which I know will be a challenge in any case. In one of the photos you can see where the main trunk splits off. Is that a good mark to shoot for?

I’m wondering if someone could give me advice on limbing it up to create more open space lower in the canopy so more light can hit the ground. I’ve seen some very old, beautiful American sycamores in my area that have very high canopies. I’m not sure if that’s normal or not. Any advice is appreciated.

Hey everyone!

I’m in Northern California. I hired a new landscaper to help fix my dying front lawn, which is on a pretty steep slope.

He immediately pointed out the surface roots of the redwood, and said he wants to cut them because they are going to murder his lawnmower and impede the growth of new grass around them.

He also said that they are causing to soil to be hard, and the water to run straight down to the street, and I do have a massive problem with water runoff.

However, I’m extremely concerned that cutting those roots is going to destabilize the tree. He assures me it will be fine, but he isn’t an arborist.. any suggestions?

Glad I bought the road hazard coverage.