Should I let this tree grow?
August 26, 2024 8:18 AM Subscribe
When I moved into this house five years ago, the neighbors on the other side of my back fence had a large pecan tree. Its canopy covered half of my small back yard. Last year, they chopped it down and removed the stump, instantly transforming my yard from shade and partial shade to full Texas sun. They set up a trampoline for kids where the tree was.
Fast forward to this summer...
A sapling started growing along my back fence. This is pretty common, and what we usually do is dig around the root, and if we can't get it out completely, cut it as far down as we can and shoot monsanto products into it. (Otherwise our yard is chemical-free.) However, when digging for the roots we discovered substantial, adult roots. We think it's the same pecan tree trying to come back alive on our side of the fence. We cut it down again and sprayed it up, but it immediately started growing AGAIN. It got about 2 feet tall in a week.
I'm sympathetic to this tree and miss the shade, so I kind of want to let it grow. However, it's directly against the fence--even as a sapling it's touching the fence. What bad things will happen if I give in and let it grow? If not, how do I really get rid of it?
A sapling started growing along my back fence. This is pretty common, and what we usually do is dig around the root, and if we can't get it out completely, cut it as far down as we can and shoot monsanto products into it. (Otherwise our yard is chemical-free.) However, when digging for the roots we discovered substantial, adult roots. We think it's the same pecan tree trying to come back alive on our side of the fence. We cut it down again and sprayed it up, but it immediately started growing AGAIN. It got about 2 feet tall in a week.
I'm sympathetic to this tree and miss the shade, so I kind of want to let it grow. However, it's directly against the fence--even as a sapling it's touching the fence. What bad things will happen if I give in and let it grow? If not, how do I really get rid of it?
For some trees, if you bend the sapling when it's young enough (and still flexible), you can bury it underground and kind of "lead" it to a place where you want it, then let it come up there. If you do this, you'll probably get more saplings elsewhere -- you'll have to be diligent about digging/cutting/spraying those so that the tree puts its main effort into the sapling you want.
It will probably take a decade or more to grow to a size where it produces meaningful shade for you.
posted by OrangeDisk at 9:04 AM on August 26 [8 favorites]
It will probably take a decade or more to grow to a size where it produces meaningful shade for you.
posted by OrangeDisk at 9:04 AM on August 26 [8 favorites]
In Texas, the value of shade over decades on ac bills and comfort is far greater than the value of a few feet of fence. Assuming you are correct and this is sprouting up from roots of the mature tree, this will grow far faster than any sapling you could plant, and also much faster than the same tree if you try to move it.
I would be thankful and leave it. I'd also be casting some serious shade at those neighbors (ha). Cutting down a mature pecan in a residential area is a dick move and would be illegal in many TX jurisdictions.
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:34 AM on August 26 [14 favorites]
I would be thankful and leave it. I'd also be casting some serious shade at those neighbors (ha). Cutting down a mature pecan in a residential area is a dick move and would be illegal in many TX jurisdictions.
posted by SaltySalticid at 9:34 AM on August 26 [14 favorites]
I'm a huge fan of managing suckers into mature trees quickly. What kind of fence is it and how close is the sapling? If it were chain link, I'd just let it rip, and keep pruning the tree to give it the best chance to grow one big strong main trunk. For a wooden fence, I'd be a little more worried about ruining the fence and I might try to train the new growth over a foot or two.
posted by advicepig at 2:00 PM on August 26 [1 favorite]
posted by advicepig at 2:00 PM on August 26 [1 favorite]
Consider that the pecan tree is growing in the shared fence line, therefore it is in your backyard setback.
This is where the utility lines can be buried.
You can be held liable for damages due to tree roots. The city can prune and remove vegetation that is in their way.
The city can come in and tunnel under storage buildings in the setbacks while working on water and sewer pipes.
The electric and internet companies can lay underground cable through that area.
Where is your gas meter?
Also, you have no recourse if the backyard neighbors destroy the root system on their side of the property line.
Meanwhile, pecan trees can do a lot of damage after an ice storm or heavy winds. Pecan trees grow tall and rangy. They can form multiple trunks and heavy limbs that are subject to breakage.
Check with your neighbors about how much they spent on removing their tree.
posted by TrishaU at 6:46 PM on August 26 [1 favorite]
This is where the utility lines can be buried.
You can be held liable for damages due to tree roots. The city can prune and remove vegetation that is in their way.
The city can come in and tunnel under storage buildings in the setbacks while working on water and sewer pipes.
The electric and internet companies can lay underground cable through that area.
Where is your gas meter?
Also, you have no recourse if the backyard neighbors destroy the root system on their side of the property line.
Meanwhile, pecan trees can do a lot of damage after an ice storm or heavy winds. Pecan trees grow tall and rangy. They can form multiple trunks and heavy limbs that are subject to breakage.
Check with your neighbors about how much they spent on removing their tree.
posted by TrishaU at 6:46 PM on August 26 [1 favorite]
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posted by pipeski at 8:32 AM on August 26 [5 favorites]