Old cottonwood tree.

Question

Old cottonwood tree with dead branches and mushrooms growing at the base. An arborist said the entire tree should come down. We would like the dead trimmed. What say you.

Answer 1

I would say that it is a symptom of severe infection within the tree. If left to die on its own, it could fall apart, and depending on the size of the tree, could cause damage to property or human life. In my opinion, it is better to be safe, and go with the arborist's advice.