Advice on trimming or removing a 70+ year old thornless honey locust - Ask Extension
We recently moved to a house in Bloomfield township, built in 1958. We assume the front yard tree was planted when house was built. It looks like it m...
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Advice on trimming or removing a 70+ year old thornless honey locust #939392
Asked July 15, 2026, 2:56 PM EDT
We recently moved to a house in Bloomfield township, built in 1958. We assume the front yard tree was planted when house was built. It looks like it might be ready to split and we don't want it falling on the house. Any advice on trimming versus removing the tree would be appreciated. Can send more pics if needed.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
I agree from your pictures there is some cause for concern. That large gap at the base of the tree indicates something that needs a professional assessment of the whole tree.
Such an important decision cannot be made by looking at pictures online.
What I recommend is that you hire a certified arborist. This is a professional who is trained in pests, diseases, and the healthcare of trees and shrubs, and passed certification testing.
To find certified arborists in your area here is a website where you may search my ZIP Code. Look for arborists who have the “tree risk assessment qualification” (TRAQ).
https://www.asm-isa.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=883139&module_id=274045
I agree from your pictures there is some cause for concern. That large gap at the base of the tree indicates something that needs a professional assessment of the whole tree.
Such an important decision cannot be made by looking at pictures online.
What I recommend is that you hire a certified arborist. This is a professional who is trained in pests, diseases, and the healthcare of trees and shrubs, and passed certification testing.
To find certified arborists in your area here is a website where you may search my ZIP Code. Look for arborists who have the “tree risk assessment qualification” (TRAQ).
https://www.asm-isa.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=883139&module_id=274045
