ᐅ Prospects for a Giant Sequoia in a German Front Garden

Hello,

we have purchased a plot of land and there is a huge giant sequoia tree in the front yard!

The tree was one of the reasons we bought the property because we find it so fantastic and impressive. At the notary appointment, the seller told us that the tree will keep growing. It is this tree here:

Sequoiadendron giganteum

I doubt it will reach the size it has in its native habitat, but I think we should start considering what to do next.

Ideally, we want the tree to remain. The house will be demolished and a new one built. We are happy to adapt the construction somewhat to accommodate the tree and to make compromises if needed.

BUT:
1) We are afraid the tree might eventually fall on the roof.
2) Since we want to include the tree in our planning, we would like to know its expected lifespan and how healthy it is. Can it even tolerate a new construction with the related ground and soil work?

I have contacted three different tree experts – so far only one has replied (who would have thought this profession is apparently so busy that they do not need to respond to customer inquiries?). The company I contacted will send me a written contract for a tree assessment.

Question for the community:
Does it really have to be a formal tree assessment for our purposes? Even though I haven’t received the letter yet, it already sounds very expensive. Does anyone have an idea how I could get a reasonable evaluation more cost-effectively? Or is it really worth investing in such an assessment?

Good luck
Oliver