Tree fellers
Tree fellers are calling here tomorrow.
Dat’s right. Der’s tree of ’em goin’ to cut down a tree.
I’m quite sad about it as that tree is one of my favourites. It’s a large Beech that self seeded about fifty or more years ago. Since then it has grown into a magnificent specimen. At one stage a Clematis tried to take it over. The Clematis managed to completely blanket half the tree up to the top. It was a fantastic cloak of pink in the spring but it was damaging the tree so it had to go.
I have put off the demolition for the past few years. My argument is that it’s a beautiful tree and a favourite of blackbirds who shout their heads off from the top all summer.
There are two problems though. One is that it’s a bit close to the house. I’m not that worried about roots though it is a small consideration. The thing is that it is directly south so it puts the house into the shade all summer. The only time we can enjoy a sit-out on the terrace in summer is after around four or five. Any earlier than that and everything is in shade.
The other problem is a sneaky one. I had some problems with the satellite dish last summer that involved a realignment of a new dish. I hadn’t noticed it before but the dish is pointing perilously close to a couple of huge Beech branches. Another wee while and another spurt of growth and bang goes our satellite reception, particularly in summer. Herself would be gutted at the loss of da telly.
There is going to be collateral damage too. A drop of friendly fire. An apple tree is directly under the Beech and will probably be FUBARed. It’s years since that tree bore an apple but it is near Herself’s window and she likes watching birds fighting over the bird feeder that hangs in the tree. No tree – no feeder – no birds to watch.
So the job has to be done and it has to be done now before birds start serious nesting.
I’m not looking forward to the noise.
I had bird-feeders hanging from my apple tree, but squirrels could reach them from it. So now there's a 'feeding station' pole with four arms. The little birds love it, the pigeons and rooks not so much and the squirrels have admitted defeat, ha ha.
I might try building one of those. All I need is a long branch to stick in the ground. Squirrels are few and far between here.
Life's a beech.
At least you are doing it before birds start nesting.
Do you have a wood burner? Maybe you can get subsidies for saving the planet. Just stick a few beech nuts in the ground. You have planted trees.
Whatever, be sure to video it. Something is bound to go wrong. International viral fame.
That’s why I’m doing it now and not later in the year
Did you not have to have an environmental impact assessment, planning permission, a risk assessment, and an archaeological survey?
Of course I am complying with all assessments and standards and the job has full clearance from the authorities.
My arse!
Maybe the apple tree will cheer up once the beech has gone.
Where I live, I’m surrounded by 75+ foot tall pine trees. We had loggers come take some (they pay you about $16 a board foot) but there’s more. The problem with pines is their shallow roots which makes them notorious quitters in high winds and even more so if the ground is wet. If one comes down on my house I’m fucked!