Tree topping - trimming + Solar Install + Fed Tax Credit Discussion

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Nifty-Chicken

Nifty-Chicken

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Dec 26, 2006
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We are getting solar panels installed on our roof and we need to have a tree trimmed to ensure there is no shade cast onto the panels.

The tree is a 28 foot Oak that needs one side and the top trimmed down about 12 feet. Here is an image that shows how we would like the tree trimmed:

10_tree-trim.jpg



We're not terribly in love with the tree, but would like to keep it if possible. Here is one response we got from a tree trimming company:

Unfortunately we cannot top trees as it is arborculturely incorrect. If you do get the Oak tree topped this time next year the growth will be a lot more than it is currently, you would also have to have it done every year to keep the sunlight. I could suggest removing the tree completely for a 1 time charge.

Thoughts on:

1) Is the info above correct?
2) How much should it cost to "top" the tree?​
 
I dunno how much it should cost, but I can tell you they are absolutely right on it growing right back...and fast too. I'd suggest the removal and save a bundle of expense. I have no clue what that would cost either. Just helping where I can
big_smile.png
 
That info is correct, in addition topping the tree can cause weaker new growth that could eventually break off and hit your roof/solar panel. I'm dealing with that right now with a tree that was repeatedly topped before we bought the place, about to just cut that tree down myself! In the long run the tree will just plain look horrible with repeated toppings and can be more prone to carpenter ant attacks.

Remove the tree, it's the best option. As for cost, most tree toppers out here charge 200 to 400 including disposal. It's about the same for removing all but the stump out here as well.
 
My husband cut trees for 25 years and I showed this to him. He said there right cut it down. It will grow back faster then you would ever think. More money more money just to keep it in check. I love Oak trees.
 
That tree is beautiful! Removal is really the only feasible thing to do, however I would contact local arborist clubs and see if anyone is willing to move it to another location. A tree that old and gorgeous should be saved.
 
Out here is logger country, and I'd guarantee you that any of my logger friends would tell you to just remove the tree. Topping isn't the right thing to do, and as others said - You'll have a lot of future problems if you do top it.

And yes, removing it will cost about the same as topping it, but you won't have future problems.
wink.png
 
Hi: I'm sorry, but everyone is correct about not topping out the tree. We own a tree service, and my husband is a licenced and ISA certified Arborist and he will never do it for all the reasons already mentioned.
smile.png


I am very jealous over your solar panels. Those must be awsome!!!!
 
Last edited:
I've been to the top of a tree,, I've trimmed a Christmas tree, but I've never topped a tree! LOL,, I agree about trying to find someone to relocate it,, we are short enough on trees in the world we abuse. It's a beautiful, tree,, send it to me!!
 
Thanks everybody for the helpful info! While it is sad to think about taking it completely down, it seems that's our only option.
sad.png


It's a "volunteer" tree and oaks are pretty plentiful out here so I doubt anybody would want to pay to move it (if even possible).

Well, the sales pitch is that our solar panels will be the same as planting 2 acres of trees (for the CO2 not being dumped into the air)... I'm not sure if that's true, but hopefully more than just one oak tree.
 
Complete removal is the better option. Sad but true.

Can you simply top it? Yes, but you'll have the very same problem next year.

Southern Ohio....about $250.00 to remove a tree. (Single tree) Had four removed
for $500.00, when he could work it into his schedule.

Just a question...for the purpose of filing tax, I assume solar panels are deductible,
even if put on your personal home. (My new heat pump was) You are having to remove
the tree to fully use the solar panels. Would the actual cost of removing the tree then
be tax deductibe?

*For those that may not know, many repairs or upgrades done to your home that you
personally live in are not deductible. Almost any repair or upgrade done to a rental property
is deductible.
 

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