"One thing to consider is to what extent the removal of the tree would affect the value of the property."

I doubt it in this particular case. She has had her 2+ acres up for sale for three or four years now (the house itself has no resale value). Due to location, it is most likely to end up as high-density dwellings, and the people who build those tend to clear the land completely for ease of building.

Thank you for all the replies.

Sue