Taking Down Trees

I will have two large cottonwood trees taken down next week, weather permitting.  My mother-in-law had a large fir tree taken down a few weeks ago.  In a world where we should be working to enhance tree growth, taking trees down seems counter-intuitive.  But it is not.

Trees are living organisms, and as such have their own march towards death just as humans do.  In the case of the cottonwoods, they are nearing that point where they could break, fall on the house, fall on a grandchild, or fall on the neighbor’s house.  I don’t want that and am taking steps to prevent it.  I want to act responsibly.  

My mother-in-law’s fir tree was also beautiful.  But it had shallow roots, and given the soggy winters they have suffered in recent years, and given the intense winds they have experienced, it made sense to take it down carefully rather than have it fall down on her house.  

Not only do we both have other trees, we plant trees from time to time.  I saw the cottonwoods about to end their lives several years ago and planted trees between them to “fill in” when they are gone.  My thinking is to act responsibily in both removing hazards and planting for the future so that carbon dioxide is converted into oxygen, shade is provided, and the neighborhood continues to look good.  

Do you think ahead?  Do you plan to avert problems before they take their toll?  No everyone does, and I take my share of ribbing for thinking this way.  So?  It serves me well, and serves my neighbors and friends well too.  I’ll keep thinking this way.