Once the view from the ridge above my house. To the right is a group of pine trees, as of tonight – after six long days of chainsaws and limb grinding – gone. All gone. Sliced and diced and thrown into the wood chipper.
The granddaddy of the tree family was visible from my deck. When I heard the chainsaws and realized what was up, I ran out to get a shot before the sawing began. Unfortunately the rising sun made a good shot impossible.
I know logically that if a tree that size fell it could cause great damage and so it had to go. Slowly and carefully as there are houses nearby. Six days it took and for six days I listened. I could have gone elsewhere but I felt I must stay and mourn it’s passing.
When it comes to trees, I guess you could say I’m a wee bit fay, as the Irish would say.
For thirty years I’d watched hawks perch on top of this tree, surveying the whole valley for prey or just taking in the view. They mounted no defense for fear of the chainsaws, the ropes, and the men shouting and whistling as they worked.
All in Spanish, such a lively language for a grim task. But I had to admire their bravery and skill.
Sawing and grinding until …
The final surrender; only the skeleton remained. Not a dignified ending, my friend, but you will be remembered.
Saying nothing in particular 
Oh Jan, that is so tough to watch. I’m sorry.
It was but we go on. I can’t imagine what my poor neighbors must have paid! Yikes.
I’m always sad whenever I see a proud old tree felled. Especially if it was cleared for expansion.
😥
I believe the trees were deemed too high a fire risk. Those old pines can explode during a wildfire.
A necessary evil then.
Still sad..
I am with you Jan I would be there with you mourning the tree. Thank you for the lovely Review 💜💜💜
You’re welcome. I tried to keep it short and sweet and enticing to buyers.
Thank you from Dan and me 💜
Suburban trees – $10 apiece to plant, $5000 apiece to remove.
In a park where we used to live — a Sitka Spruce got too big for the home across the street. No disease, no cause for real concern, just — too big and too close.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xAUGVoR1AedtoG5aA
That must have been sad – I believe my neighbor’s trees were Monterrey pines and they can be unstable (shallow roots). They tend to be volunteers … it’s never been a good idea to plant Monterrey pines near a house!
😭
It’s always sad to see trees and plant life being cutdown, especially when it’s been there much longer than those who cut it down. I wonder why the tree couldn’t be cutback to make it safe? One day, plant life will take its revenge.
I am especially partial to trees. We have a few redwoods in the neighborhood and to be near them feels so spiritually satisfying for me. I talk to the trees! That’s definitely me.
You have a nice view from your deck, but it’s terrible that they had to cut the tree.
Wow! kind of sad. First time I ever saw a tree being chopped down was in my grandparents yard. I cried.
Thank you for this post Jan! I didn’t know those trees, but I feel something.
You are so right – we do go on – and also, I do wonder what your neighbors paid – tree removal is not cheap – enjoyed your post showing the progress
🤬
Once upon a time humans lived with and among trees without cutting them down. What a great shame.
I have a soft spot for trees. Every time I see this, it makes me incredibly sad.