The house when we bought it (November 2006)

Very big tree, I have never seen such a big willow as this. How old ?

We have a photograph of the house taken in the 1930's and there is no tree at all in that position, so the tree was less than 60 years old. That type of common willow is very vigorous and grows quickly.

The house dates from 1720 so there was no way we were going to risk the tree causing damage to the building.

Oh, 60 years old ! If you would not have the risk, --- How long will it live ? and moreover, You really live in the house made about 300 yeas ago,
How it is great tradiyion in uk.

I really dont know how long these trees will live Salix Fragula are very fast growing (up to 25m) but they are known for splitting and breaking - so many fall down. The stump of the tree is already sprouting new growth.

I feel very honoured to be living in an old building - our house was the water mill for the village. The village has many old buildings - some of which have traditional thatch roofs.

That is really great, Ducky. I can remember such a villlage as you live, because many villages both in mountain districts and also in agricultural districts were there in Japan till about 40 to 50 years ago. Thanks.

What a lovely house, Ducky - I'd like to see some more photos - perhaps you've blogged your progress - I'll take a look. Willows are dreadful for damaging underground pipes and basement walls, so you did the right thing. We had a similar willow at our previous house, the same size but with two main trunks, which was about 50 years old, and one day it just split in half falling in 2 directions,and the branches covered half our garden as well as the neighbour's. Our children had been playing under it until a few minutes before the event!

Wow you were all so lucky. Much better with the trees gone. We had photos of much of the work to the house but most were lost when I 'lost' my old camera.

What a shame, Ducky. That would have been a lovely record.