Tree too close to building?

[MariusPontmercy]

What's the deal with a trash tree growing right next to the foundation of a building? Say, within a foot from the exterior wall, it can almost be considered growing out of the wall. Does it need to be taken down (I know it should be) or doesn't the property owner have to do anything if its on their lot and is their tree?

[Titus]

Yes, it is a danger to the foundations. Presumably the owner must have it taken care of, but L&I would need to know about it before citing them.

[Polar Cub]

Tree of Heaven ?
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

[MariusPontmercy]

Tree of Heaven ?
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

Funny, we always call those "ghetto palms".

The one in question here has the giant "elephant ear" leaves.

[devilspocket]

Funny, we always call those "ghetto palms".

The one in question here has the giant "elephant ear" leaves.

A Paulownia? I'm amazed by how quickly those things can grow.

[Polar Cub]

We know them as Empress Trees.
Considered valuable to some, while at the same time, considered an invasive weed in most cities.

A customer of mine had one on their front lawn, and I told them it's just a weed and they should remove it before it gets really big. He just gave me a blank stare and said, "it's a rare specimen called an Chinese Empress Tree," and he paid 60.00 for it. I didn't have the heart to tell him they can be found all over the city in vacant lots, abandoned buildings, and even sprout out of cracks in buildings. I even see them growing out of eaves or roofs of vacant buildings.

[loveisnoise]

This story is gold. Are you serious? HAHAHAHAHAHA!

This crap grows like weeds around south street. Every year it is a fight to get yuppies in alleys to get it off their properties since it infects other buildings as soon as a wind blows. The fact that any one paid for this lets me know that crackheads are still making money off of suckers. I can't believe anyone pays for this damn problem.

We know them as Empress Trees.
Considered valuable to some, while at the same time, considered an invasive weed in most cities.

A customer of mine had one on their front lawn, and I told them it's just a weed and they should remove it before it gets really big. He just gave me a blank stare and said, "it's a rare specimen called an Chinese Empress Tree," and he paid 60.00 for it. I didn't have the heart to tell him they can be found all over the city in vacant lots, abandoned buildings, and even sprout out of cracks in buildings. I even see them growing out of eaves or roofs of vacant buildings.

[boognish]

Many invasive species came to our shores as unique specimens with rich histories in their own indigenous countries. Unfortunately, their niches no longer exist in a new environment, so the results are simply a roll of the dice.

The paulownia for example is considered an extremely regal tree in Japan and is featured heavily in heraldic crests. Historically, one would plant it to coincide with the birth of female child. The tree's rapid growth and light wood made it an ideal candidate from which to craft dowry chests.

It's a shame that it absolutely stinks as an urban tree. I refuse to park under one on my block as its limbs look to come crashing down any moment.

[boognish]

This story is gold. Are you serious? HAHAHAHAHAHA!

This crap grows like weeds around south street. Every year it is a fight to get yuppies in alleys to get it off their properties since it infects other buildings as soon as a wind blows. The fact that any one paid for this lets me know that crackheads are still making money off of suckers. I can't believe anyone pays for this damn problem.

Holy crap you're dumb.

[whatever]

Weeds are an opinion. Although now, we have imported plants from other geographic regions which often muck up natural local eco system.
One persons's nettle is a weed and another peson's medicine. Native Americans never cut down any plants except for use in food, medicine, tools, shelter, etc. They didn't cut down or poison the natural landscape to plant a lawn they had to mow. No weeding necessary.