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Sunday, November 14, 2010

The Mighty Oak

house oak tree 1114 (2)
This oak tree has been in the front yard of The Frog & PenguINN since Grenville and I bought our home in 2003, so we’re not exactly sure of its age. However, this lovely and very large tree started  losing many branches in wind storms the past couple of years.
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We decided not to chance the tree falling on the house one blustery day, and consulted a local tree specialist about trimming some of the larger limbs away from the house.
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To our dismay, we learned that trimming the branches would be nearly as costly as removing the tree. We were shown an area in the lower tree trunk which could split in cold weather. Hearing that we could trim some of the tree, only to have it split, fall and possibly damage the house another time, we made the decision to have the tree entirely removed.
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Live thy Life,
Young and old,
Like yon oak,
Bright in spring,
Living gold;
Summer-rich
Then; and then
Autumn-changed
Soberer-hued
  (Alfred Lord Tennyson)
Hearing that we could trim some of the tree, only to have it split, fall and possibly damage the house another time, we made the decision to have the tree entirely removed this past weekend.
tree gone 111310 (1)
The front yard is much more open and the pecan tree on the left will be able to open up after being blocked by the oak tree. We will miss the oak tree and may plant another tree in its place next spring.

11 comments:

Lois Evensen said...

As you know, we have done the same with our catalpa tree. Did you split your firewood? Ours will keep us warm next winter. ;)

Elaine said...

Too bad you had to take down such a lovely old tree, but better to take preventative measures than have it come down on your house. You may actually find that you like the extra sunlight you are going to have.

Montanagirl said...

Too bad about the tree. We had to do the same with a huge Cottonwood in our front yard. Your home is charming.

AC said...

Good idea. I once had a tree fall on my house, right after I had rebuilt the roof.

possum said...

I hate losing a tree... I still miss my pine woods that used to surround my house and the adjoining 15 acres... BUT Pine Bark Beetle got 'em, and they just started to snap when the wind blew. It was a shock having so much sunshine... I bet it is for you, too.
Maybe a smaller tree for the yard... a dogwood or a redbud...

Carole Barkett said...

yes, so many people plant trees that grow way too big for the space they have

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Hi Everyone, yes we really were saddened to learn that it would be better to remove the tree vs. trimming it. A couple of years ago a neighbor's pine tree fell down into our yard narrowly missing our home and a propane gas tank. We were not home at the time, but heard it created quite a noise. We didn't want to tempt fate a second time.

Lois, Grenville does wood turnings and saved some of the longer limbs which he then trimmed smaller. We only have gas fireplaces, but some smaller pieces will go in our chimera.

Preventative measures are definitely better, Elaine and already we notice the living room is brighter.

Thanks Mona for the compliment on our home which dates from the mid 1920s.

Ouch AC !

Possum, we will miss the oak tree too, and we may get a smaller tree maybe next spring. We were thinking about possibly a spruce so we would have an outdoor holiday tree.

Hi Ann (Country Mouse) we have no way of knowing just when the tree was first planted, but don't think it was when the house was built. And you are right about plantings getting too big for the space allowed.

Anonymous said...

It is always sad to have to take down an old tree, but if it could fall on the house one simply has to take it down. But look on the bright side, Now You can plant a new one :-)

Have a great day now!
Christer.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

yes Christer, we have already talked about doing that but will wait until next spring to make a decision. The grass beneath the tree has never done well and we are wondering if we will have a lawn there again. Also, there is a pecan tree that was only blooming on one side because the oak tree was blocking it, so perhaps it will blossom now. Good day to you too!

Gingerbreadshouse7 said...

Hi Beatrice, you have a beautiful home with a porch that i just love!!! I hate the idea of taking down such an old and beautiful Oak! However sometimes you have to take preventive measures and there was nothing else you could do. I hope the Pecan tree will do better getting more sunlight, I really think it will and you will be able to add flowers if you desire because you will have more Sun. If the gas prices go down I'll be glad to come and sweep up the front yard when Pecan season is in swing again next year :o)...Ginny

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Thanks Ginny! Brenville and I sure enjoy the porch in nice weather. We share the same feelings as most folks about removing a tree, and the original plan was just to trim it away from the house. But, when the tree specialist gave us his recommendation we decided to follow it rather than possibly be sorry later. And maybe the pecan tree will be encouraged to produce next year - hope so. You are more than welcome to come and pick pecans and we know of several other places as well.