Death of Our Favorite Tree

The Death of Our Favorite Tree

Our favorite tree on the property was cut down today. For over a year we have been watching it lose its vibrant green color. We've watched it become less full. We've seen needles all over the ground. When we touched the branches, needles came off in our hands. Gary talked with a student in one of his classes, and he told Gary that he had lost a Redwood, too. Our friends, Ron and Roz Chamberlin, lost two of their Redwoods this past year. Despite all of our watering attempts, we knew that it wasn't coming back to life after this past winter. So, today Gary cut it down. It was a sad time for us because we loved this tree.

Favorite Tree in December 2008

This is what the tree looked like after a snowstorm in December 2008. It is nice and green and very full. You can see how tall it is when you compare it to the 5' 2" person standing next to it.

November 2009

This is when we realized it wasn't doing too well. Gary said to wait one more winter and spring before we cut it down, but I think we both knew that it was already dead.

Gary "Vacuuming" the Tree

Gary's brother (Stan) suggested he use a shop vacuum to take the dirt away from the roots. Gary is hoping to use the tree stump for a really cool sink base in the half bath.

Clutch of Quail Eggs

When Gary was trimming the bottom branches of the tree (prior to cutting it down) we found this nest of quail eggs under a box, which was next to the tree. Debi had seen a quail fly out from under the tree when Gary was cutting the branches, but we didn't know the mother quail was on the nest. We hope she will come back and finish sitting on them. We hope we haven't scared her off.