Hi Hayley. First just checking, is the gum tree healthy? I just noticed some holes in it that I wonder if were caused by borers? It also looks like there is a sprayer near base of tree, and tree roots are not above the surface to interfere with mowing, etc. Is that correct? Do you want to establish another border plant or limestone block border around the base of the tree or somewhere else in your front garden? I think clarification on this point will help other Houzzers offer suggestions. :)

i'm no expert but i think a box hedge and a big gumtree have different soil and water requirements and trying to have them in the same garden is asking for disappointment, even the limestone may not be healthy for the tree?..try and identify the gumtree (some leaves, flowers seeds and photos (including any damage) taken to the local Native Gardening club should help identify it's needs and any problems (offer a donation and they should be happy to help) if you want to keep the tree then choose plants that match it's needs eg native grasses, shrubs and ground covers from similar environment: you can still create that formal clipped look similar to box hedges with suitable natives...good luck

I'm uncertain whether those three holes near base of tree in the second photo are a result of borers. Maybe take a good, clear, close-up photo of the holes and ask a nurseryman or horticulturalist. The tree doesn't look riddled with those holes, but if there are boring insects, there are treatments that an arborist could recommend. It may be nothing adverse at all. I agree with others that you would struggle to get anything to grow really well under the tree, but maybe some border plant running alongside your drive, path and verandah. Something with a shallow root system would be better, I think, so they don't interfere with the tree's root system. A nursery would be able to suggest some based on your location, amount of shade and proximity of the gum tree.

I wonder if two lengths of thin edging running parallel to your drive/path/verandah (the first staked length abuts against concrete drive/path/verandah and the second staked length run a certain width from the first), and then filled with a suitable potting mix, would support a flowering border plant? This method would keep the plants from interfering with the tree roots and give the plants a good start. You could even place weed mat down BEFORE you add the potting mix.

The health of the gum tree should always be front of mind. If it fails, it will drop branches onto your house, your car, your neighbourhood and that is something no one wants! Maybe dig up all the grass in that section, have a gum tree only zone? Underplantings with agapanthus, cliveas, etc, would also work. If you want your hedge, make it the otherside of the entrance path

The tree and the house are not good companions.I know which one would be going if it was my block!

Oh No. Don't cut down that lovely tree - it's taken years to grow and provides shade for you and shelter for birds. Doomsayers begone! Our towns and cities are losing out to concrete, pavers, trendy box bushes and Bunnings water features.

Clear up around the base, build a wide seat, or better, place some pretty wooden chairs and a little table. Dot underneath the tree with big pots of shade loving plants. Further out plant low tough natives that are accommodating to the root system and can live alongside the tree. You will find plenty of advice at your local state flora office or natural resource management centre. you will have a lovely view to admire from the front windows. And once the bushes have grown, put in a decent birdbath ( which you fill up each time you water the pots plants) and you will have even more to admire.

Sue

Thank you for such quck and in depth information. Very helpful.

That is a big tree to have so close to a house. If you are committed to keeping it, have an arborist put together a health plan for it. Then forget your plans of an English garden (boxus hedges) and embrace compressed crushed gravel and native grasses! Like the photo above, it would look fantastic and be very low maintenance.

I also feel that it is a young specimen from looking at the trunk only. It is going to get much bigger.

It is such a pity to remove such a beautiful tree. If you decide to leave it the tree dictates that the garden should be native. The post from Leeane shows how good the native garden can look. Your garden is flat - it will still look good. But keep it native.

The tree in Leannes garden is not as close to the home as your tree. If yours is an Angophora (eucalypt family) and its happy, it will become a whopper!

Alison

Its likely that the gum is protected. In my shire you cant cut down mature trees without council approval. Some gums for example wandoo are toxic to other plants and nothing will grow at their base. Check out what it is and look for companion plants that grow well with it in the wild. It could become a stunning native garden : )

Don't remove the tree. Its benefits far outweigh any associated risks.

Would you consider mulching this whole area and planting "water-wise" grasses and low shrubs? That would give privacy from the street, and a vista from your windows. And it would improve the health of the tree to not be competing with greedy lawns.

Have a reputable tree lopper remove dead branches or any that overhang the house every few years. And keep it well watered particularly in hot conditions with drip lines.

I have several big eucalypts very close to the house and my aim is to keep them healthy, I wouldn't consider removing them. They have survived huge storms.

Tina, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, the River Red Gum, is called "Widow Maker" because it drops large boughs as a response to extremes in conditions. It is a myth that all eucalypts do this.

The comment made by Ruth is a valid one. Check with council - it may be protected.

But even if it is, it is so poorly sited. Evidence of footing damage should be regularly checked.

Its a hard decision to make. Its one that as an avid tree lover, I would not enjoy.

If you decide to keep the tree just understand that most eucalypts put a toxic substance in the soil to prevent competition for resources by other plants. There are however some lovely natives that will grow happily under them such as the native fuchsia called correa, grevilleas, bottlebrush, hakeas and other lovelies. I would embrace the Australian and plant a nice native garden that emphasises flowers. Also, look for a lovely bird bath. I have a pretty one that has little wrens perched around the rim. It also comes with cockatoos.

The eucalypts that put toxins in the soil are called allelopathic. Most come from Western Australia. Not all gums have this effect and its experience alone from working with different trees that enables this knowledge.

We have a similar ecualpt could be the same it has beautiful bark that sheds this time of year to reveal a lovely pinkish mauve bark beneath. We have uplit the tree and it looks lovely at night with a light lighting up the trunk and canopy good luck I agree with the native look as per some other comments.

What a hard decision to make with so much conflicting advice. I love trees and would keep it if possible but I would be checking with an aborist AND my insurance company. They are notorious for finding reasons NOT to pay claims if it should damage your house in the future.

Great advice jsidecor. We recently had to renew our house building insurance, did the ring-around. Most companies did ask if there were any trees within 20m of the building.

Gum trees are provide a stunning canopy to any garden, but as with any large tree close to your home, you need to be mindful of its health and possible future limb failure. Sudden
limb failure in Eucalypts is the result of periods of dry weather, impacts on a
tree's root zone and subsequent moisture stress. I recommend creating a beautiful native garden in this area with groundcovers and grasses that are suited to the sunlight available. Make sure the area is properly mulched (organic mulch is best) and that you water the area during periods of hot weather. It's also worthwhile having an arborist look at the tree every 12 months of so to make sure it is still healthy.

The tree is currently growing well with no irrigation. Adding irrigation while the tree remains is fraught with problems i.e. stimulation to the tree root system.

Rosemary may be a good alternative to a box hedge. They seem to be OK in challenging conditions, are fast growing, can be shaped relatively easily, have a great fragrance and you will never have to worry about your lamb roasts again.