An unmistakable sign of age, but... [View all]

[MineralMan]

Last edited Thu Aug 13, 2015, 08:58 AM - Edit history (1)

Shortly before my 70th birthday last month, a limb on the huge maple tree in my front yard succumbed to wind from a thunderstorm. Still hinged to the tree trunk at its base, it fell slowly onto my roof. It didn't damage the roof, but there it was.

Not a huge limb, and just 8" in diameter where it met the trunk.

I have a chainsaw. I have ladders. I have ropes. I looked at the limb and plotted how to remove it. Where it was still attached to the trunk was about 15 feet above the ground. I thought about it. I guessed its weight and considered what stresses there were that might cause problems. I planned the cuts and figured out where to lash up the big end to control its weight.

Then I remembered that I'd be 70 years old in a couple of days. I went inside and called a tree service. Due to lots of wind damage, they couldn't come until today. No problem. It couldn't fall any farther and there was no roof damage.

So, this morning, three young guys with a big chipper and a truck with a cherry-picker basket showed up. After a short setup, they got to work. 10 minutes later, the limb was off my roof and reduced to chips in their truck. I wrote a modest check, thanked them and watched them drive off.

Sometimes, after due consideration, old guys make smart decisions. 20 years ago, I would have just gone up the ladder and done that job myself. No problem. Not now. I'm slower, not as strong, and have slower reaction time. Let the young guys do it. They need the work.

Things change. Things always change.