In spite of cabling, fertilizing, and other treatments, our neighbor’s majestic beech has to come down. Some sort of fungus is making the rounds in New England, plus the tree is over 300 years old. It’s dying. It could collapse and fall.
I am heartbroken. It has been a stalwart companion for 32 years, gorgeous in every season. I look out at it as I prepare dinner. Its canopy shields us from other houses during the summer. I see its upper reaches out of my bedroom window. The sun sets through its branches and the moon floats by as well.
😭that’s SO Sad.
Yes. We’ve lost many trees in the neighborhood since we moved here in 1993, but this one hurts the most.
That tree is amazing – you have a lot of great photos of it. What an unnecessary tragedy , tho’ 300 years is a darn good run. But, if the tree had been planted in Germany and nurtured by a clock making family, or furniture making family… it might’ve lived longer. Of course it would’ve been harvested eventually.
Everything is making me sad today, so I planted some “Skyscraper Sunflowers” and nasturtiums for salads in August.
Good antidote!
Dee~ Oh, how heartbreaking. I know the feeling of losing Tree Friends. It takes time to get used to the space they leave behind. (((hugs)))
The only happy thing about this is that I’ll be out of town for the removal.
What a pity that this splendid old tree must come down. You’re losing a beloved presence and one that has defined so much of what you see. We live more or less in the midst of Redwood National Park. But surrounding our property is private land that is logged periodically. From our front yard we’ve seen entire hillsides of mighty trees come down. The sound of chain saws makes me ill. I’m glad that you won’t have to see it come down.
That must be hard to endure. And yes, I’m so glad I won’t be here for the removal.
Do you think the neighbor would be willing to keep a piece of the wood for you? Like a walking stick or a section to place a bird bath on. A memorial of sorts.
When we brought it up a few days ago, my neighbor said the interior of the tree is diseased and it might not be possible.
Heartbreaking .. your video showed your love throughout many seasons of years. I’m glad you won’t be there. Seasons of years doesn’t sound right but couldn’t think of a better way of putting my thoughts into words.
Seasons of years works. And hours of days. Moon sun rain snow wind. I have loved to consider that it was growing when the emancipation proclamation was signed.
Oh what a loss! People will be grieving the death of that tree for a long time.
Yes. It will leave a giant hole.
I was hoping you would be away … but it will surely be a shock when you return
I had a thought … wondering if you have pressed some leaves, perhaps to trace onto a quilt or incorporate into a collage
indeed. Not letting a tree go at its own pace is particularly painful, at least for me. Their spirits are guiding comforts.’ and should be released with dignity. Wait, am I projecting? Wait, is that too much ego? nah 🙂
It will be such an adjustment to look out your window when you return. I mourn the loss of the Beech. When we lived in CA, we had several eucalyptus trees that were too close to the house, fire danger. I loved the long leaves and seed pods and used to weave a wreath for our front door every Winter Solstice. The trees were huge and the tree people who came to take them down asked if we wanted any of the wood. My husband said yes, could they cut three large rounds. I was so touched when after they had left, he carted the rounds to the back yard, a cool side of our house, placed two of them side by side, stumps to sit on and the other , in front pf the stumps, for a little table. This became our favorite spot for a tea break. The suggestions from Deb and Liz about a walking stick or a leaf imprint are so thoughtful and a way to honor this venerable being.
oh a tree is a companion for sure, a wonderful tribute Dee
Saskia xxx
It’ll be fine when I get back. Oh dear.