When we first moved here in 1981, most of the trees around us were small little saplings. They’ve grown ALOT in the 41+ years since! I’ve planted hundreds of root bare native trees and fruit trees too. But the trees that stand out the most are fondly known as the 3 climbing trees in our backyard. We trimmed the lower branches to make handles to help the young kids climb up and over the years, they got lots of use. You can see for miles while perched up in those 3 trees!
In 1998, the great Ice Storm wrecked havoc on my trees. They were covered in thick layers of ice for weeks. Some were even bent over with their tops touching the ground. It took 2 solid weeks to clean up and burn all the branches that fell off. Through it all, the 3 climbing trees faired very well and continued to thrive for another 20 years. They were always the first to start losing their leaves in early September, fluttering down on me as I cut the lawn – my first sign that Autumn was almost here.
But their life started to wane two years ago, likely due to the Emerald Ash Borer. Last year there was hardly any leaf growth. This year there was none. Dead branches were always falling off all over the grass beneath them. So I decided that they had to come down before they fell on someone.
Thanksgiving weekend, my grown kids and grandkids who live nearby, gathered to say goodbye to their 3 climbing trees and cut them down. Each tree was evaluated as to where it would fall to avoid hitting the playhouse, shed, or pond. Once felled, the trees were “de-branched” and these large bonfire pieces were stacked along the side. The trunks were cut up and stacked for future firewood. It took ALL day!
The next day, we tackled some other dead trees including the two that had bent way over during the Ice Storm. We kept the bonfire going for two days burning twigs and small branches. The entire backyard needed to be raked up of all the small sticks because these can get caught in the blades of my lawn tractor and break the belt (ask me how I know!).
Meanwhile I was running back into the house preparing a turkey dinner, cutting/cooking carrots, turnips, and potatoes. As the day progressed, Darin fired up the chainsaw again to create “lawn art” from the 3 Climbing Trees stumps – a chair and a table/footstool. A perfect tribute to our much loved trees.
Thanks Darin, Taylor, Nellie, Melvin, Cassidy, Kristi, Benji, Josh, Jasmine, and Hailie!
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