trees, conservation and other questions

We are lucky enough to live in an area which has lots of native vegetation, including huge eaucalyptus trees.  When our house was built some thirty years ago trees were planted on the narrow side, between our house and our neighbour's.  Some of these now tower over our house dropping leaves into the guttering and dropping huge limbs without warning.  

Since moving here we have talked often about the dangers versus  the advantages of having these wonderful trees so close to the house and with heads over ruling our hearts we have decided that ten trees have to go.  This has been a really difficult decision and I do hope that it is the correct one.  We are in a fire prone area so this is another consideration.

The trees pictured are at our back fence and are to remain.  They give an indication of the size and unruly nature of the trees around us.

Of course we will plant another 20 trees and shrubs: there is space for some away from the house.

With all the natural disasters all over the world I cannot help worrying about what we are doing to our own little environment.