It Was Necessary...

Before leaving for Michigan, it was determined that some of our trees needed to be removed.

Cutting trees is difficult, but sometimes necessary.

This is a "Before" Photograph, taken July 31, 2008.

You might notice that the tree in the center front of the yard is actually comprised of three separate Shagbark Hickory trees that had grown from three separate seeds and competing for root and sun-space. I also noticed each tree had become quite tall and spindly; each having 1/3 of the total canopy on one side of its trunk. During the wind storm just prior to my leaving for Michigan, it became apparent that at least one of them would probably be landing on the house before too long. You might also notice their close proximity to the house. There are also four trees in front of the south end of the house... one small one very near the large one on the corner and one "lighted" one close to another at its left. The two center ones had to go, too. Too little root space, as well as canopy space, for so many trees within 5-6 feet of the house!)

At any rate, these trees, along with a few others, were cut down while I was in Michigan. This is how the front of the house looks now. I really miss the beauty of the front canopy, but we will plant a good, straight oak tree a bit further from the house in the front yard this Fall. And then I'll feel better.

After, taken August 12, 2008

After - another view

There were also two tall trees on the north side of the garage. One was much larger than the other, and was leaning dangerously over the garage (you can see it behind the wooden screen). It had to go. The top of the other was dying, (it's the split one in the sunlight) as it was growing into the canopy of a Much larger tree to its north. It also had to go.

Before

After
It's really bare "up north." I really miss the trees, but will be planting something before too long.

After

This is of the south backyard "woodland walk" area. One more tree was taken from this crowded area... behind the bench. It was not huge, but it was leaning towards the neighbor's house, in search of sunlight. We didn't think it needed to work that hard. And we would not like to have our neighbors be apprehensive over our trees. (They had two removed that were leaning over their house, too!)

After

It's not as Shady, but it'll be okay.