There’s a very large, >100 year old coastal redwood very close to our townhouse and our neighbor’s townhouse (or I should say our townhouses are close to the redwood since it’s been here much longer than we have). 

HOA just received approval for its removal, but the decision can be appealed within the next 10 days. Removal application was approved on the grounds that the root system were invading the neighbor’s sewer line and were beginning to grow in between cracks in the concrete slab of the foundation. Per HOA’s application, an arborist determined that root pruning was not a viable option due to the proximity of the buildings <10-20 ft, and even though sewer line leaks/cracks have been addressed, the tree’s removal was the only option that would eliminate the risk of roots re-invading the area.

I’ve lived by this tree for the past 10 years, and I really care about it—it was planted here such a long time ago and it is one of the oldest trees in my neighborhood, possibly the entire town. Since living here, the HOA has attempted to remove the tree multiple times, never providing evidence substantial enough for the City Arborist to approve its removal. I don’t mean to make light of the root damage the tree may have had on the neighbor’s sewer system and pipelines, but I don’t believe that alternative options to removal have actually been explored, which is why I wanted additional opinions from you. 

From my perspective, the cracks/leaks in the sewer line and concrete slab of the neighbor’s townhouse were not caused by the tree, but due to subpar construction and neglect by the property owner/HOA—I know that tree roots can cause foundational damage, but I want to note that my townhouse, which is closer in proximity has shown no signs of foundational damage (e.g., cracks in walls, floor bulging, etc.). That being said, would I have any chance at an appeal of this removal approval? For Coastal Redwoods and their roots which I’ve heard are pretty invasive, are there any alternative options, root pruning or otherwise, that would address the neighbor’s issue while preserving the tree? 

Thanks for any insight or info about this—I’m a layman when it comes to trees, but as I mentioned, I really have a connection with this one and really hope to save it if possible! 

P.S. I ran out of bananas, so I used a banana milk for scale. 

Removal the only option? Hi