Question
Hello,

We live in a new development, formerly wetlands, and the builder seems to have tried salvaging as many trees as possible on our property.  I have two trees (maples), in particular, relatively close to our home (within 20 feet).  They are mature trees and are 30+ feet tall.  We have lived here for going on 3 years and our trees are worsening every year.  They no longer produce leaves at the top where the bark has peeled.  I have called out tree guys for recommendations.  They all agree that the root system was damaged when digging out and backfilling the basement, however, they differ on how to proceed.  One insists that the tree is doomed and is not feasible to trim back because it would be wasted money.  His recommendation is to take down now.  The other says that the tree is fighting to stay alive and should be trimmed of all dead wood (around 40% dead) if it has a chance of making it.  We live in the Northeast Metro Detroit area.  What should I do?  Are my trees doomed?


Answer
construction damage either fill or taking the soil from the tree will kill a tree. This may take 3-5 year to show by after the house is built. Sounds like that is what you have. Trees can not take much back fill (less than a couple of inches of soil) before they suffer greatly. You can either bite the bullet now and replace the trees or wait until the leaf out good and prune the dead limbs off hoping they make it. Sorry!