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A client in Springfield said their old oak was 'too much work' and should just be cut down
I was giving a quote last week and the homeowner pointed to a beautiful, healthy bur oak in their yard. He said, 'It drops too many acorns and leaves, it's just too much work to keep up with.' He wanted it removed for something smaller and 'cleaner.' I pushed back hard, explaining that a tree like that is a community asset, provides real shade that lowers cooling costs, and supports local wildlife. It felt like he saw it as just another chore, not a living part of the property. How do you all handle clients who want to remove a perfectly good tree just for convenience?
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paul_owens256mo ago
Look, it's his property and his money. That oak is a constant mess. Acorns wreck the lawnmower, stain the driveway, and attract every squirrel for blocks. Leaves clog the gutters every fall without fail. He's paying for the upkeep, not the town. If he wants a tidy yard with a little Japanese maple that doesn't drop a truckload of debris, that's his call. Not everyone wants to spend their weekends cleaning up after a tree.
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andrew8546mo ago
You're right about the upkeep being his problem, but calling a mature oak just a mess misses what it does. That tree is probably shading his house, cutting his cooling bills way down in summer. Those acorns and leaves are a hassle, but they're also part of a living thing that's been there longer than any of us. There's a balance between a tidy yard and losing something that actually saves you money and adds real value.
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vera_lewis5mo ago
Honestly, I had the same issue with my oak and just trimmed it way back, problem solved.
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