We planted this tree as a skinny broomstick in our very empty backyard within the first year of moving here. It grew healthy and big, obviously happy.
Three years ago, we noticed it was yellower than we liked, a bad sign. Two years ago, an arborist confirmed our fears. What we had purchased as a Shumard Red Oak was not. It was a cousin, a close hybrid, but still enough different to hate our nasty alkaline clay soils.
The bad news~it was never going to get better.
We chickened out on taking it out last year. How do you gear up to take out the biggest tree in your yard? And such a pretty shaped one, at that. All summer, we enjoyed the shade of this tree.
Finally, we knew we had to do it and do it quick before we chickened out again.
Tttttiiiiiimmmmmmmbbbbbbbbbbeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrr!
Some of the rings were a half an inch thick.
Then, of course, came the Homeschool Physical Education Class--teenaged weight lifting.
And....teenaged tree mushing....
I hate taking out trees.
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4 Other Creative Souls are Saying:
I know what you mean, Deb. The folks across the street cut down a beautiful tree in their front yard this week, and drug it out to the curb, the leaves going limp. I had to go inside it made me so sad. I dearly love trees. Of course, sometimes they have to go, but still -- they are so grand and peaceable and give so much to the world.
Oh how sad to lose your biggest tree. We had 2 huge elm trees planted by a previous owner at least 30 years ago - well this year we had an expert look at pruning it and it was determined one had to go in order to let the other live on. I know it had to be done, but I'm missing my big old friend in the back yard and all the shade it provided us. So I feel for you.
Awww. I know what your going through with downing beautiful trees. That's a shame. Would you like me to send you a couple of goats? They would lighten those loads for the mushers!
Where have you been, Deb? Hope all is well. Miss you.
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