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Homes built on bluff property are highly prized by their owners as
the view from such a site is spectacular. The most common complaint of a
bluff home owner is that the view is being obstructed by trees.
If this is your primary reason for tree removal, you should we aware that
you have more concerns to deal with on this type of property than any
other. The major concerns are:
1. Erosion : trees on your
bluff property help keep erosion at bay and, in turn, stabilize the slope.
Concerns of erosion have been addressed in research and the over-whelming
conclusion is that well-rooted, mature trees do help to stabilize the
slope.
2. Slope Failure : removing a series of trees
on a slope/bluff can greatly increase the probability of a slope failure
in the future as the tree roots decompose and their soil-binding capacity
declines.
The only time that mature trees should be removed from this type of site
is when the tree has died or the weight of a large tree leaning downwards
can potentially uproot, fall and possibly cause a landslide. Removal of
these trees is very difficult and should not be attempted by the
homeowner.
Solution
The best solution to obtain a good view would be to severely thin out the
existing trees in the areas that are bothersome to you. It is possible for
the homeowner to thin out young trees (5-10 years) by removing offending
branches and still maintain a stable slope and an acceptable view. By
using a handsaw and even sharp shears control of growth can be
maintained.
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