Tree Trouble w/Poll - UPDATED 8/11

Okay so we had three people come out and look at the tree in our front yard. It's a Japanese Maple and most likely was an original planting when the house was built in 1928. The tree is very large and has three or four large trunks. It has large branches extending over our roof and into our neighbors yard. We knew in the very least it would need to be trimmed but are afraid it may need to be removed. We were afraid of that because it has green mold (?) growing on most of the trunks. It also has a deep split with moss growing in the split and finally it has a long heavy duty tension wire keeping together two of the largest sections. So 2 of the 3 tree people told us to take it down and grind the stump. I only got a report from one but the second guy said without the tree had rot, and carpenter ants which could get into the house. The 3rd, an arborist said that there was nothing wrong with the tree and we should not cut it down, just prune it. We're at a complete loss and would welcome any advice, opinions, suggestions, stories, etc.

TIA

UPDATE
Wanted to let you know that we decided to prune the tree and hope for the best. They were working on it when I left for work this morning. I'll update with some new pictures shortly. Thanks for all the advice ladies!

Message edited 8/11/2010 2:03:17 PM.

Re: Tree Trouble w/Poll

I would trust the arborist over a tree removal service

maybe get another opinion from an arborist?

i'd recommend Sav A Tree or Looks Great Services
they both have done work at our house and are certified arborists

Re: Tree Trouble w/Poll

I would also get another arborist out to see the tree. I would trust the arborist, they want to save trees. A tree removal service just sees a big tree that they are going to charge you a lot to take down. GL to you and the tree!

Re: Tree Trouble w/Poll

Thanks for the suggestions. I have Save A Tree coming out to look at it shortly and let me know what they think!

Re: Tree Trouble w/Poll

Also, if you opt for the pruning method, you can always cut it down later if it doesn't recover. If you opt for the chopping method, you don't get any other options later...

Re: Tree Trouble w/Poll

Funny, I had a very similar situation. The long and the short of it is, I believed the arborist and the tree has been thriving.

It's the huge, lush one overhanging my entire patio:



It has a disease but with pruning, water, and organic fertilizer and compost, you would never know there was a problem.

I'm very skeptical about the people who rush to remove a tree. They told me to remove this one three years ago. Idiots.

Re: Tree Trouble w/Poll - UPDATED 8/11

updated!

Re: Tree Trouble w/Poll - UPDATED 8/11

YAY for the tree! I hope it does well. GL!