An update on the murder of my tree.

[Blue_In_AK]

First of all, thanks to all of you who commiserated with me over the loss of my very old and beautiful Mayday tree yesterday and Monday. I wanted to give you a follow-up report because you all (most of you) were so kind.

The "danger tree" guy from the electric company and the owner of the tree service responsible for the slaughter came by today to survey the damage. Everyone seemed to be in agreement that the tree was a total loss, that even though it would most likely come back from the roots next spring, it would be just a bunch of suckers, basically a bush and not very attractive for many years to come. (I'm 65 so I don't have "many" years to wait for that.) Since the tree was now just a stump, they were curious what it looked like when we first came home from our shopping trip. I imagine that they thought we were exaggerating the severity of the "prune," but luckily I had the photos. We brought them down to my office and I showed them eight or 10 pictures of the beautiful blooming tree with all the columbines and forget-me-nots around it.



Then I forwarded to the skeleton, giving everyone the finger. We surely couldn't leave anything like this on our curbside all winter. It had to be cut down all the way.



The utility guy instantly caught his breath, his face paled and he turned away, saying, "I've seen enough." He looked like he wanted to throw up. Mr. Carlos, the owner of the tree service, assured us that this was NOT an acceptable easement trim and apologized profusely for his crew's negligence. They told us they would remove the stump and plant any kind of tree we wanted in its place, as many as we wanted. They suggested Japanese lilacs because they are in tree form and grow quickly but not too tall, 20 or 30 feet, and are very hardy here. They have fragrant white flowers like the Mayday tree and we could plant three or four of them close together which would create a canopy like the old tree. But if we want something else, that's okay, too.

What they're going to do now is pull out the stump and then come back in the spring right after the ground has thawed and plant us some nice trees. We accepted the offer. We might have been able to get some monetary damages out of them if we raised a big enough fuss, but it wouldn't bring back the old tree and I think they ARE trying to make things right.

Again, thank you for your support. I'm not in the habit of coming here with my personal problems, but I was quite distraught, and I had no one to vent to except my husband -- and he was too pissed to be much help. :)

[knowbody0]

1. congrats!

hope you feel way better this spring. you fought a good battle, and honored your beautiful murdered tree. good for you.

[Fire Walk With Me]

2. Keep those pictures in case they don't "remember" come next year...

Hopefully nothing like that will happen, sounds like you're golden. I'm so sorry this happened, what a beautiful tree. Be well!

[riderinthestorm]

3. Awww Blue, sounds like they are trying. Hope they can ease the pain.

What a trauma but this company is definitely doing whatever they can to ease the situation. You have a big heart. Hope this works out in the spring as well as you hope it does. Keep us posted!! :hug:

FWIW, kudos to the company for accepting responsibility instantly and not fighting over this. Way too many corps believe they can get away with murder, literally, and never face the consequences...

[Lisa0825]

4. I am so glad they are making it right for you.

I didn't respond to the other post, but I read it, and it made me so sad for you.

:hug:

[elleng]

5. Happy to hear this, Blue, and thanks for posting.

:hi:

[Odin2005]

6. Sounds like a few arborist positions are going to open up real soon.

[CC]

7. I missed other post

and hope you add links to them for others. Now what I said just looking without reading, OMG what the hell?! I don';t blame you for being heart broken, pissed and give you a lot of credit for using restraint. I might of landed in jail for attempted murder and if I didn't it would only be because Terry killed whoever first. The tree was beautiful and didn't look like it was that tall. As much as I hate topping trees that would of been the most it needed to avoid power lines. Hell I can't even see the lines in either photo. Look into the lilac trees and maybe check around for other types too, also insist on bigger trees for the replacement and a year or two guarantee in case the new ones don't make it for some reason. Hugs.



Edited to add, I looked again and saw a tiny bit of the line but nothing justifies what they did to the tree.

[Blue_In_AK]

19. Here's the original thread, CC.

I think it's the first time I've made it to the front page of DU since I came here in November 2004. :rofl:

[CC]

31. I found it

and could see the power lines down thread. They still didn't have to do that. Not that it changes anything. I was reading the comments. I can tell you a 15 foot by 8 foot white pine gets a person about $2,000. from an insurance company plus another $500 for the special equipment needed to replace it around here. (Car took it out.) They got the estimate and I didn't argue with it.
Lots of us care about trees, why else would they call us "tree huggers," of course it made the front page.

[Blue_In_AK]

33. We knew it was in the lines,

but the utility companies tell us not to mess around with pruning around the lines, that they'll take care of it. For as long as I've lived here, they've come by every couple of years and trimmed off the top, which was fine with me and what I thought they were going to do this year.

The wires you see in the tree are telephone wires. The electric lines are much higher and the tree never got that tall.

[CC]

72. They tell us the

same thing here. Hell they run commercials telling you not too trim trees any where near the power lines. I am glad they got upset once they saw what was done and hope there is some punishment for the crew, son or not.

Also a very late happy 4th b-day to Sea bass. Hope the little red head is doing well and enjoying the snow along with the rest of the family. (I am guessing they are still in CO.)

[Blue_In_AK]

110. Yes, they're still in Colorado,

and Sebastian's doing great. I sure miss the little guy.

[CC]

125. I am not so

stalker-ish as to remember his exact b-day but having our Sage here b-day so close I do remember and think of him and along with the rest of the family. Besides his birth helped get you to take more people pictures. (:

[csziggy]

8. Good for you! And I hope they do make it right

Did you get their promises in writing? I'd also want assurances from them that they have to replace any of the new trees that die in the first few years. There would be no better way to insure that they properly prepare the site and plant the new trees than being at risk of further expense if they didn't make it.

[Blue_In_AK]

16. I haven't got it in writing yet,

but I plan to when they come out to take out the stump. I think I should probably have the guy from the electric company sign on, as well, since the tree guy is his subcontractor. We all discussed the guarantees and so on and they were agreeable. I think they're just glad we're not trying to get any money out of them.

[csziggy]

42. Have everyone who was at the meeting sign off

And have them all admit liability - which they probably will not want to do. But you need that in case they do not live up to the agreement.

I am not a lawyer. You might want to see if you can get a short consultation with one for advice on how to word the agreement to replace your tree. Many state bar associations have lawyer referral services that help you locate an attorney in the right area of law, and let you have a short consultation to explain your problem and give advice on how to handle it.

The first time I needed an attorney's help, I used this kind of service. For a small fee, he gave me the wording to use in a letter to the person who I had the problem with. And he told me that allowed me to include the phrase "upon advice of my attorney" which scared the other party enough that he gave in and gave me what I needed.

Just going through those steps can let the other parties know how serious you are and give you the next steps if they balk at signing a legal document.

[Blue_In_AK]

44. I know a lot of lawyers.

I worked in the legal field here for 30 years, so I know a lawyer for just about every purpose. :) Plus I have a daughter who's a lawyer and another one who's a legal assistant. It's in our blood.

I don't think I'll need to consult one here. This is pretty standard stuff, and since I used to write this kind of thing up a lot, affidavits and whatnot, I think I'll be able to come up with something comprehensive. But you are absolutely right, it needs to be signed, sealed and delivered.

[csziggy]

61. OK, then you know a lot more about it than I do

Heck, if they know who you are and who you know, that is probably scary enough that they will do whatever you ask!

Ask for some shubbery, too. http://youtu.be/QTQfGd3G6dg

[Divernan]

136. Retired laywer here: I'd suggest the following.

Write a letter addressed jointly to the utility company and the subcontractor/tree trimmer subcontractor.

"This letter memorializes the meeting on (date) at (time), at (location), among (name you and your husband and other individuals present, and the employer which each represented), at which time . . ."

Here you describe the meeting, the complaint you & your husband made, the evidence you showed in support of your complaint (attach copies of photos to the letter), and the offer made by the electric company/subcontractor to replace your destroyed/damaged property, specifically timely removing the stump and then replacing the damaged tree next spring.

In the letter, state that they should contact you for an appointment as to when they'll remove the stump so that you or your husband is there to oversee this activity (make sure they leave no unsafe holes in the ground, etc., and you might also demand they cover the area with mulch so you don't end up with a muddy mess in that area over the winter.)

In the letter, set out a deadline for when the replanting is to be done next spring, such as "no later than May 1st, 2012" or whatever date is appropriate for your part of the country. Again, state that they should contact you in advance to arrange a time for said work, so that you and/or your husband are there while the work is being done. State that they waranty said replacement plantings for a minimum of one full year.

Finally, you should state in the letter what you will do in the event that they do not carry out their verbal promises set forth at the meeting. Check with your lawyer daughter or acquaintances as to your options should that happen. In my neck of the woods, I would tell them something along the lines of: In the event you do not honor your verbal promise by (date), we will file an action for damages with the District Magistrate, claiming the loss to our property value caused by your actions.

Send letters w/attached photos to both businesses. Send them registered mail, return receipt requested. As to getting the two guys to "sign off" on the agreement, I would expect at least the electric utility guy would know better than to sign something without running it by the utility company's lawyer/legal department. If you can get both signatures, fine. But a letter timely and promptly "memorializing" the meeting and agreement stands as evidence, unless the recipient promptly writes back denying the facts set out in the letter.

And as the utility company should realize, the loss of property value by the destruction of this ornamental tree is FAR in excess of what it will cost them to clean up the site now and replant in the spring.

As others have mentioned, who knows what the situation will be next spring? Either of the two guys you talked to could have been fired, retired, etc., by then. The subcontractor could declare bankruptcy, or sell his business to a new owner who would refuse to honor the agreement, etc. In my part of Pennsylvania, the utility hires some outfit from New York state to trim the trees. That would complicate pursuing them legally.

Sounds like the two guys were reasonable in their conversation with you. I always tell clients/friends/etc. when it comes to relying on a phone conversation or personal conversation, memorialize it with a letter.

Sorry about the loss of your beautiful tree, but the lilacs would be lovely. Oh, and make sure you specify the size of the lilacs - the biggest which are available in your area, for sure. My daughter has a hedge of really overgrown old lilacs at the home she purchased. As I recall, when they were trimmed back, they did not bloom again for several years. Here, I just looked this up:
"If lilac bushes are already too large or becoming unsightly, however, pruning the entire bush or tree to about six or eight inches off the ground may be necessary. Keep in mind that you may have to wait for flowers, as it takes about three years for them to develop once entire shrub has been cut."

Good luck!

[Divernan]

138. Just read some of the rest of this thread

My post is rather redundant - you've got most of it covered already. I would include specifying that you are to be present when they return to your property.

[Blue_In_AK]

145. Thanks, Diverman.

All excellent advice, and I think I've got it covered now. You're right about the lilacs being a little temperamental, but I think they should do fine in this spot. We've got what they call a "common lilac" in our back yard that we planted four or five years ago that has never bloomed, but I think because it's too shady. We're going to dig it up next spring and see if we can get it to a place it likes better, maybe on the other side of the driveway.

The owner of the tree company is also a landscaper (or so he says), so hopefully he'll know what to do to get these little ones settled in and happy.

[OnyxCollie]

9. Get it in writing.

Spring is a long time away and good intentions often fade.

[rugger1869]

10. Make sure you get it in writing.

[Blue_In_AK]

21. Yes, that will definitely happen.

I was a legal secretary/paralegal for 25 years. :evilgrin:

[TuxedoKat]

11. Thanks for the update

it's good to hear that the people in charge want to rectify the situation. I hope whatever gets replanted will be beautiful too, just as the Mayday Tree was. (((HUGS)))

[Hissyspit]

12. Voluntary Accountability!

Imagine that...

[Blue_In_AK]

23. I know.

It was so refreshing. It might have had something to do with the two-sided sign we put out next to the stump that said, "Carlos Tree Service MUDERED this old tree without our permission." :evilgrin: (Mostly we wanted to let the neighbors know that it wasn't something WE did. Everyone in the neighborhood loved the tree.)

[Hissyspit]

27. It was a beautiful tree.

[in_cog_ni_to]

13. At least they're going to make it right. The Mayday tree was so beautiful. Hopefully,

your new trees will be also. I'm so happy it worked out for you. *hugs*

[yardwork]

14. I just read about this for the first time. How horrible! Somebody should lose their job for this.

[handmade34]

15. ...

:-)

[TheWraith]

17. If it hasn't yet been taken all the way out, may I suggest you wait on that?

I know you'd rather not have to see the naked trunk all winter, but if you leave it like that, you might be surprised how relatively fast it could grow back. I'm not sure how fast growing Mayday trees are, but I had something similar happen to a willow, and it's bounced back surprisingly well in just a few years. You might at least want to give it until next spring and see how fast it comes back.

[Blue_In_AK]

26. I've spent years training that tree,

snipping off all the little shoots at the bottom and just in the past year or so I had gotten it to the point where it was sending up only a few suckers. I just don't want to go through that again for years -- like I said, I don't have years to waste.

There is one offshoot of this tree that sprung up maybe 30 feet further back on our lot. It's right on the property line, mwybe a little more in my neighbor's yard, and it's in among some other bushes so it's less clear that it's a Mayday tree. It's still fairly short (and they topped it when they topped the other bushes), but it did bloom last spring, so I'm just going to let that one go and see how it does.

Mostly I want to get something out there in front that's big enough to fill in the bare spot. I feel like all our privacy has been stripped away.

[beac]

18. Glad to hear they are willing to make it right (or as right as possible

w/out a time machine and a smarter crew showing up a few days ago.)

Lilacs sound like a lovely replacement. :)

[EFerrari]

20. I'm glad they had the decency to try to make it up to you.

:grouphug:

[pnwmom]

22. I suggest you now write them a certified letter documenting everything they've

promised you. For example, something like: "Thank you for (COMING OUT AND INVESTIGATING THE CLAIM) after (DESCRIBE THE PROBLEM) As I understand it, you have agreed to . . . This work will be done (STATE WHEN). Please let me know if any of this is incorrect. If I don't hear from you by (NAME DATE) I will assume that you have agreed to do the work describe above."

Remember, an oral agreement is usually worth only the paper you wrote it on.

;)

[Blue_In_AK]

28. That's a good form.

That's basically what I was thinking. Are you a legal person, too, like I was? We tend to think like that. :)

[pnwmom]

30. I had a stint

as a legal assistant. I don't miss the job - but I do find it useful in certain situations.

:hi:

[Miss_Underestimated]

86. Be sure to keep a paper trail of ALL communications with them; follow up any in-person or phone

conversations with an email that restates those conversations and details what the followup will be.

So sorry about the beautiful Mayday tree

[Blue_In_AK]

126. Here's the letter I composed.

I will be having them sign on the dotted line acknowledging receipt. The utility locators are already showing up this morning, so at least phase I seems to be proceeding as it should.

***tree guy***
***Chugach guy***

Re: Replacing our Mayday tree

Gentlemen:

Thank you for coming out yesterday and surveying the damage done to our old and much loved Mayday tree, the only tree on our property, by your crew on Monday, October 24. We are pleased that you recognize that the job done was far in excess of what was required to prune the tree out of the telephone wires and that the tree was essentially totaled.

This letter is to memorialize our understanding of the agreement we reached. You have accepted responsibility on behalf of your crew for the destruction of the tree and have agreed to remedy this situation in the following way: After the utility locators have inspected the property, you will remove the stump of the Mayday tree that now remains and backfill to presentable condition. Early next spring, as soon as the ground has thawed, you will acquire and plant replacement trees for us. At your suggestion, we have accepted your offer to plant Japanese lilacs where the Mayday tree once stood. Our preference is to have three of them planted in a group. You agree that if any one of the trees does not survive through the winter of 2012-2013, you will replace that tree.

Your commitment to see this through to final resolution is commendable.

Very truly yours,



Blue_in_AK and Hullboss

Receipt acknowledged



______________________________ _________________________________
Tree guy Utility guy
Date:__________________________ Date: ____________________________

[femrap]

24. The crew who cut that beautiful tree

down should be FIRED or at least forced to pay for the new trees. Just was just pure sadism against Mother Nature's beauty.

I'm so glad the boss was sane and he is going to make the situation GOOD FOR YOU.

I would be so curious to know what the hell the dude(s) who did the 'trim' were thinking....????

I love trees.

[Booster]

25. Even though it won't bring back you beautiful tree at least they

are trying to make things right. I don't blame you one bit for being distraught. I would have been also. Good luck.

[Arctic Dave]

29. I'm glad to see they owned up to their blunder. Sorry about your tree.

For you. ;)

Ode to a tree

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

[Blue_In_AK]

32. Aw, Dave, that's so sweet.

I used to love that poem when I was young. I'm sorry you and Jodie never got a chance to meet my lovely tree. She was a beauty. I know Jeff Lowenfels thinks Mayday trees are weeds, but I loved mine.

[Ilsa]

34. I'm glad they are attempting to make it right, but I think a monetary

fine is in order for the immediate loss of property value. What if you had to sell soon?

But, of course, it's your call.

[gristy]

35. I am very glad for you that they have apologized and promised to make it right .

The loss of your beloved tree notwithstanding, I think that's just wonderful.

[Abin Sur]

36. "Murder"? "Slaughter"?

Not having read your previous post I'm not familiar with the circumstances, but no matter what they are...it's a plant. You can no more murder and slaughter a tree than you can murder and slaughter a radish. That having been said, the tree was very pretty and I'm sorry you lost it.

[Blue_In_AK]

40. It was a part of the family,

and the ONLY tree on our property. It had tremendous curb appeal. Now there's just empty space.

You may not be sentimental about trees, but this one was special to us for many reasons.


If you want the back story, I posted a link to my original thread up this thread in answer to CC.

[Abin Sur]

53. I'm sorry for the destruction of your property.

As for your description of a tree as "part of the family", I'm still rather puzzled. I'm certainly not sentimental regarding trees, but this one was special to you for some reason (I looked at your response to CC but didn't see a link), so you have my sympathies.

[Blue_In_AK]

57. I'm sorry, I forgot to provide the link to CC

I'm an idiot. Here you go: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=2178092&mesg_id=2178092


As for the tree, I've lived here for almost 22 years. As my youngest daughter who is now 26 put it on her Facebook page: "I grew up under that tree." All the kids in the neighborhood used to like to play in it, and my grandsons were just heartbroken when they came over here today and it was gone. I guess you have to have loved a tree at some point in your life to fully appreciate what I'm talking about.

[Abin Sur]

62. I can certainly appreciate why the destruction of this tree would upset you.

The actions of the tree trimmers in question were absurd, and I'm glad they're offering compensation.

I live in the mountains west of Denver, and my property is surrounded by pine trees 30 to 80 feet tall...while I certainly enjoy having them, I don't have any particular attachment to a given tree. Recently, one of them collapsed and fell on my deck; my only reaction was annoyance at the damage it caused.

I did turn it into firewood, so I got a bit of revenge... :)

[Blue_In_AK]

70. I used to live in Colorado, too.

I know the kind of trees you're talking about. This tree was different because it was an ornamental, not just any old tree that was growing here. If it had been a birch or aspen, I wouldn't have minded so much, there are so many of them here. But we don't have much diversity in deciduous trees, so it's always a shame to lose one of the more unusual ones.

[kurtzapril4]

131. I'm sorry about the loss of your tree.

Do some research if you have time and maybe consider something native to where you live, not too tall, tree/s in it's place? Or something that might not be native, but is not invasive?

Lilacs sucker and are prone to grey mold(botrytis).

I tend not to get sentimental about plants. If a plant is sited inappropriately, it is just that. It must be moved or cut down. I had two 15 foot yews at each corner of the front of my house. They were planted in the 1980's, about 2 feet from the corners. Of course they grew straight up into the soffit and fascia, and they were about 13 feet wide. They also blocked the sidewalk in front of the house. I had them removed in June, and planted something more site appropriate to replace them.

When you choose your new trees, keep in mind height, but also width. For me, whether it's native is a concern, and if it's not native, I also check out whether or not it's an invasive species. If it's an invasive species, I will not plant it.

One picture of the remaining stumps of your tree showed signifigant heart rot, which can be dangerous if the tree is near a house or power lines.

[Blue_In_AK]

142. The only deciduous trees really native to Alaska

are birches, aspens, cottonwoods, and alder, none of which are particularly beautiful. Had it been a birch out there, I wouldn't have been nearly so upset. I know lilacs put out suckers, but they couldn't compare to the suckers the old Mayday tree put out. I had finally gotten it pretty mcuh "trained" when this happened.

The Japanese lilacs apparently tend to grow into more of a tree form than the common ones do, so I'm hopeful that with early training they'll behave themselves.

[roguevalley]

41. you certainly can murder a tree. I had a lovely blue spruce in

oregon that some fucker plucked the top out of. It died. Murder. some idiot poisoned a tree in I believe Austin, Texas that was historic. He ended up in prison over it. comparing a fruit or vegetable to the parent plant is not the same.

[Abin Sur]

51. Destruction of public property is a crime, but killing a plant is not murder by defition.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/murder

Definition of MURDER

the crime of unlawfully killing a person especially with malice aforethought

A tree is not a person, therefore you cannot murder a tree.

[fishwax]

66. well, it's not the crime of murder, but I don't think anyone was suggesting that it was

"A tree is not a person, therefore you cannot murder a tree."

One can murder a thing that is not a person. If you check out the definition of the verb (rather than the noun), only the first definition specifies a human being. :)

[Abin Sur]

68. In the examples listed under the definition such as

"The band murdered that song" and "<murders French>" the word is being used to characterize the mutilation or mangling of a song or language, not the death of a plant.

Would you speak of the murder of pebble or a flashlight? If not, then why speak of the murder of a turnip or a tree?

[fishwax]

69. most of them don't have any such examples

Such as "to slaughter wantonly" or "to put an end to."

"Would you speak of the murder of pebble or a flashlight? If not, then why speak of the murder of a turnip or a tree?"

One clear difference between pebble/flashlight and turnip/tree is that a turnip and a tree are living things and so can literally be killed. ;) (With respect to figurative uses, I can imagine a situation in which someone might speak of having killed a flashlight; I'm not sure one would likely have cause to speak of killing a pebble, though :).)

[Abin Sur]

76. I think what struck me is that under normal circumstances

no one would speak of the "murder" of a plant (or anything else non-human) without some inherent humor. One can speak of a sports team being murdered in a game, for instance...but talking about a tree (or a turnip...or a gnat, etc.) as having been murdered (while being quite upset) strikes me as an incorrect use of the word. The tree was killed, yes, just as billions of plants are killed every day. Do I consume murdered bean sprouts if I order a veggie plate? Even if someone asserts that I did, that doesn't make it true.

[fishwax]

99. Not all who die are murdered

"The tree was killed, yes, just as billions of plants are killed every day. Do I consume murdered bean sprouts if I order a veggie plate? Even if someone asserts that I did, that doesn't make it true."

Even if one refers to the murder of a tree, it doesn't follow that all plant deaths are then murders.

"but talking about a tree (or a turnip...or a gnat, etc.) as having been murdered (while being quite upset) strikes me as an incorrect use of the word."

Murder has been used for centuries to refer to the killing of animals and things (For instance, Shakespeare spoke of both murdered birds and murdered sleep, I believe), so while not a particularly common usage, I don't see why it shouldn't apply as an extended use to something like a beloved tree. Figurative != incorrect. :hi:

[Abin Sur]

102. Granted...but would you *ever* speak of the murder of a bean sprout?

Why should a tree be any different? The use of "murder" in the OP didn't strike me as an attempt at figurative speech.

[fishwax]

117. maybe if I cared a great deal about the bean sprout

:rofl: (I can't imagine that ever happening, though.)

The OP is figurative in the sense that it's using the word in a way that extends on a denotative meaning (to slaughter) and also connects to connotative meanings (violent death, the wanton destruction of something valued and/or precious) to express the author's feelings about the event. I suppose one can think that those feelings are misguided or that people shouldn't care that much about a tree or whatever, but I don't think there's any ground to claim the usage is incorrect.

This all reminds me of a line from a song by (of all bands) Tool: "These are the cries of the carrots! The cries of the carrots! You see, Reverend Maynard, tomorrow is harvest day and to them it is the holocaust!" :)

[Abin Sur]

124. I may have to concede on this one.

Certainly it can be used in a metaphorical sense. I suppose my initial reaction to the use of the word "murder" (not to mention "slaughter") was a roll-your-eyes kind of thing. By way of illustrating this, let me speak of my Husky, Blue. I am *extremely* fond of this dog. She's practically a member of the family...but that having been said, if someone were to attack and kill her I would never speak of the "murder" of my dog, because she's not a human being.

What I would do to the person who attacked her would be another matter, of course...

[Book Lover]

127. removed on edit

You finally came around.

[Name removed]

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[kestrel91316]

52. Tree murder is shamefully common down here in Los Angeles.

It's not technically a crime, but it ought to be.

People are too cheap and lazy to consult an arborist (tree specialist with formal education to prove it) and instead just fire up the chain saw.

I call these chain saw massacres. Here in LA the immigrant crews that do it best like to strike in the heat of summer. That way the tree dies of stress, never having recovered. Then they don't have to mess with the damned thing anymore. They obviously consider trees mere nuisances.

[Abin Sur]

56. If a tree is in an inconvenient location, it could certainly be characterized

as a mere nuisance.

And at the risk of repeating myself, trees can't be murdered by definition.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/murder

[Blue_In_AK]

59. You are a very literal person, Abin Sur,

which is fine. Some of the rest of us are more poetic. :)

[Abin Sur]

60. I am a very literal person, that's true.

As for poetry...blech.

To each their own, though.

[kestrel91316]

64. You don't need to quote Webster, my dear. How sad that you lack the heart of a poet.

[Abin Sur]

65. Since words are being used incorrectly, it seems I *do* need to quote Webster.

As for lacking the heart of a poet...guilty as charged, and thank you for the compliment!

[Abin Sur]

85. As I reflect on it, I *do* have the heart of a poet.

I keep it in a jar of formaldehyde on my desk.

[madrchsod]

159. trees are a living breathing organism

depending on the tree it could out live everyone on this board.

[Abin Sur]

164. As is a cockroach.

depending on the tree it could out live everyone on this board.

True. Not particularly relevant, mind you...but quite true nonetheless!

[Jamastiene]

169. Trees have every right to live and not be butchered needlessly.

Your negative attitude toward trees is what baffles me. It wouldn't hurt you to be a little less judgmental toward people who do care about their trees.

[Abin Sur]

170. Trees don't have every right to live.

In point of fact, they don't have any such right, unless they happen to be in area in which cutting them down is prohibited...short of such an exception, tress are property and people have a right to kill them and make lumber, firewood, or furniture out of them as they will. I had a roaring fire in my fireplace just the other night...did I violate some tree's right to live? :eyes:

Your negative attitude toward trees is what baffles me.

I think you're mischaracterizing me...my attitude isn't negative, it's utilitarian. Trees are a natural renewable resource and should be treated as such.

It wouldn't hurt you to be a little less judgmental toward people who do care about their trees.

I suppose it wouldn't, but I calls 'em as I sees 'em.

[Mojorabbit]

37. This is wonderful news!

I was grieving right along with you after seeing the photos.

[roguevalley]

38. Oh, Blue. I feel nauseated over this. I love may trees. I planted

one from a tiny sapling and now its enormous and fills my house with fragrance every summer. It is hard for people from other places to understand how much tree diversity is prized here. We are at the end of the zone for diversity and have so very few different types. May trees grow so well here it is amazing. I would not be able to sleep over this. I am so very sorry. I LLOOOVVVEEE trees. I even have a maple tree growing here that no one said would be able to because of the tap root hitting the permafrost line. Hugs, honey.

[Blue_In_AK]

43. Thanks, RV.

You have perfectly captured my feelings about the Mayday tree. It's like you know that it's finally summer when they bloom. You watch as the leaf buds appear and day by day they get bigger, the flower buds show up and then one day -- BOOM -- they're all in bloom and just filling the air with their fragrance. NOW it's summer. Now we can have some fun.

As for sleeping? Monday night I did not sleep. I cried.

[Demeter]

39. Some people should never be handed a sharp blade

I grieve with you for this destruction, this loss of Nature's gift. I hope that some good comes of this tragedy, and that you find a swift path to peace and a happy landscape again.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

45. My dear Blue...

I tried to find your original post about your beautiful tree, but was unable.

Could you please post it? I'd like to see it...

Even though I know it will break my heart. I hate to see old, well-established, beautiful trees cut down, for whatever reason...

Thanks!

:hug:

[Blue_In_AK]

54. Here you go, Peggy.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=2178092&mesg_id=2178092

[Mimosa]

46. OMG. sick making. n/t

[Whisp]

47. glad to hear things have been sorted out.

still a terrible shame but they are doing their genuine best it seems.

:)

[flvegan]

48. Easement trim?

Really? Is that what someone called it? That's like calling a decapitation a haircut.

At least Damage Control 101 might work for you.

[Rowdyboy]

49. I saw your earlier thread and ached for you.....

At least they seem responsive.

:hug: As a gardener, I feel your pain

[blueamy66]

50. absolute shame

I'd cry.

I'm sooooo sorry.

[NV Whino]

55. I feel you pain about the loss of a beautiful tree

I have a running battle with our local PG&E sanctioned tree whackers. I'm glad you got restitution, although it will never be the same.

[burrowowl]

58. Why? Why? Why?

[Norrin Radd]

63. kr

[lonestarnot]

67. don't let the statute of limitations for civil action go by if they don't show with the trees come

spring!

[JDPriestly]

71. Good luck. You have my complete sympathy on your loss.

Our neighbors lost a tree last year, a tree that was home to many birds. Since we have lived in our house for many years, it was like losing an old friend.

I miss the singing of the birds. I'm sure you will miss the blossoms from your tree.

I hope the lilacs work out for you. They will not only be beautiful but fragrant. But it will take time for them to grow to any size.

Why do people do these things? I just don't understand.

[LiberalAndProud]

73. I hope you love your replacement tree.

I am sad for this loss. I understand loving trees. I guess that makes me a tree hugger, huh? This one was especially beautiful. I hope the tree killer has his chainsaw confiscated so he can't harm the local landscape any more.

Hugs to you, Blue. I wish you comfort.

[cwydro]

74. That was a beautiful tree.

Sorry about that. I would feel the same way.

[Enthusiast]

75. Way to go! But still....

[dionysus]

77. cool.

[TBF]

78. I'm happy you've come to terms -

but I'm still pissed at those fuckers. I can't believe what they did to that beautiful tree and I hope there is a special place in hell just for them.

:mad:

[Shagbark Hickory]

79. May I suggest you not plant the replacement in the easement?

And also I don't know that I would trust them to buy a healthy tree and then plant the tree properly, I'd ask for money. Or at the very least have them go through a reputable landscaper.

[AsahinaKimi]

80. I am glad this has turned around

for you. Japanese Lilacs are indeed very pretty..


*May the spirit of the new tree accept your loving kindness..

The dragon shaped tree...*

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=214x312260

[ProfessionalLeftist]

81. Good deal. You might ask to get their "fix it" proposal in writing..

...and like another poster said, hang onto the photos and keep them, and all documentation of your conversations (who, when, what was said) as well as their written "fix it" proposal, in that same file - just to protect yourself and be sure they actually do what they said they would.

[Evasporque]

82. Tree service is probably selling the wood chips harvested to landscaping co.

The more pounds they have the more they make...

So they are motivated to overcut...I'll lay even odds that this is not the first time they have left a homeowner with a skeleton of a tree...

Look at that that bastard looking back at the camera...

[southernyankeebelle]

83. Get it in writing and keep all your evidence in case they fall through.

[intheflow]

84. This is great news, Blue!

I love the idea of the Japanese lilacs, that sounds so beautiful and fragrant. Maybe a Japanese red maple, too, if they're hardy enough for up there. Just to add a bit of additional color. I'm still sorry for the loss of that lovely Mayday tree, but am so grateful you had the photographic proof to back up your claim and that they actually grasped the severity of the problem. :hug:

[DirkGently]

87. Good to hear!

[gratuitous]

88. Good for you, and it does sound like they're trying to make it better

Mistakes happen, even negligent ones. Here's hoping the utility folks and the tree service folks follow through come spring, and you once again have a pretty property area. Good on you for having the photos handy, which made the case as eloquently as any words. What's done is done, now let a new good replace the old good.

[Botany]

89. plant some trees or shrubs that are native to Alaska

http://www.aknps.org/


plant some native perennial wildflowers underneath too.




try to find something that moose don't munch on too if you have 'em in your neighborhood




is a great ground cover

[Blue_In_AK]

97. The perennial wildflowers are already there.

That whole little strip there next to the driveway is filled with columbines, forget-me-nots, various kinds of poppies, Shasta daisies, etc. etc., all of which I started from seeds several years ago. The area right around where the stump will be pulled out will be disturbed, I'm sure, but these things will fill in, plus I'll probably throw some more seeds out there.

I just hope everything does okay with the increased sun that they'll be getting. I had been going for mostly shade-lovers, but time will tell.

[2pooped2pop]

90. I think accepting their offer was fair n/t

[sandyj999]

91. At least they are trying t make it right.

Save those pictures and when spring comes make sure they take care of it.

[pipi_k]

92. Yay! I have goosebumps...

especially hearing how the guy went all pale and stuff after seeing what it looked like before!

I hope you get some real nice replacement trees, and post pics of them. I like lilacs, but the only problem with them is you lose the "canopy" effect from a real tree.

[Phentex]

93. I am happy to hear this! And you are right...

nothing can bring the old tree back but replacing it will go a long way to ease your hurt. I am glad they recognize that.

:applause:

[shanti]

94. they'd probably

offer you anything just so you don't sue them. but if you're happy, that's the most important thing.

[truebrit71]

95. I am so glad that you got a reasonable solution...

..and whilst it doesn't right the wrong, the reactions of the utilty guy and the tree service guy suggest that someone, or several someones, or going to get a talking to..and of course there's the fact that you get new trees out of the deal...

Might I recommend you get that agreement in writing just in case certain memories fade about the details next spring along with the winter snow??

[MissDeeds]

96. Wonderful news!

It is some consolation that they admitted the tree had been slaughtered and are working to make things right. I have really felt terrible for you, Blue, and the pain this has caused you.

Several years ago, our city notified us that our beautiful white lilac bush was obstructing the view of drivers going by our corner (it wasn't). We trimmed it back, but of course that wasn't enough for them. My husband and I dug deep down and replanted a portion of it inside the fence that surrounds the back yard. The city workers took the remaining bush off at the ground.

It broke my heart. Our home is 110 years old, and I have been told by many elders in town that the bush had been there as long as they can remember. The little bush that we planted sprouted a few lovely white lilacs the first year, but now looks dead. I can't bring myself to walk to the corner of the yard and take a closer look; I just keep hoping and praying it will resurrect itself in the spring.

I am so glad things are looking up for you, and glad too that you gave us an update. Please post some pictures in the spring of your new trees.

:hug:

[woo me with science]

98. What a horrible story.

I am so glad you had pictures, and that the guy understood.

Japanese lilacs are pretty trees, but this never should have happened.

[pansypoo53219]

100. i hope they leaned a lesson,

and trimmers get a fucking lesson or 2 on PROPER trimming.

[Roland99]

101. still sickens me at what happened but at least they're making a good effort at replacing it.

[denese]

103. poor tree

so sorry for your loss.

[OneGrassRoot]

104. I'm glad they're offering to do the right thing. Please keep us posted...

as to whether or not they follow through.

:hug:

[Motown_Johnny]

105. Plant now (assuming the ground isn't frozen)

It is much easier on the tree(s) if you do it now. Just make sure you get some warranty so that if one or more does not take you can have it replaced.


Trees don't like to travel. Many go into shock and some even die. You would have better luck moving them now that they are dormant (or near dormant) instead of doing it in the spring when they are trying to sprout.


Seriously. I work for a landscape company and do this kind of stuff for a living. The trees they put in now might look dead, because they are dormant, but they will look much nicer next spring if you plant them now.

Just make sure you have a replacement warranty.





*Edit to add*


I was pretty sure something like this would be the outcome. We subcontract all our larger tree work and run into an issue every couple of years (although not as extreme as your experience). The companies always do everything they can to make the customer happy. I assume that being sued would be such bad P.R. and be so costly that nobody will ever allow a situation to come to that.

[KoKo]

106. Well, Blue...that's a bit of good news and hopefully your Lilacs will grow quickly

Thanks for the update. As I said before, we had an experience like yours and never got over it. So...I know it's going to be hard looking at that mess until Spring.

[yellerpup]

107. You found a fellow with ethics.

I'm still pissed over the butchery of your original tree, but sounds as if they are doing all they can to make amends. Congratulations on getting it sorted out and coming to a good understanding with the utility company. :hug:

[Dont call me Shirley]

108. Hope you at least got the firewood from your beloved tree

Not much consolation but a little something.

PS...Carlos's Tree Company did a terrible job, not even neat and tidy.

[KT2000]

109. Get it in writing

people do leave jobs for whatever reason and others take their place.

[snagglepuss]

111. How absolutely horrible that your beautiful tree was cut down. I can't imagine

how you and your husband must feel. I hope several of my favorite poems written by those who have a deep and abiding connection with trees will help with the loss.


O dreamy, gloomy, friendly Trees,
I came along your narrow track
To bring my gifts unto your knees
And gifts did you give back;
For when I brought this heart that burns--
These thoughts that bitterly repine--
And laid them here among the ferns
And the hum of boughs divine,
Ye, vastest breathers of the air,
Shook down with slow and mighty poise
Your coolness on the human care,
Your wonder on its toys,
Your greenness on the heart's despair,
Your darkness on its noise.

Frederic Herbert Trench







I LOVE A TREE
When I pass to my reward.
Whatever that may be,
I'd like my friends to think of me
As one who loved a tree.

I may not have a statesman's poise
Nor thrill a throng with speech
But I may benefit mankind
If I set out a beech.

If I transport a sapling oak
To rear its mighty head
Twill make for them a childhood shrine,
That will not soon decay.

Of if I plant a tree with fruit,
On which the birds may feed,
Then I have fostered feathered friends
And that's a worthy deed.

For winter when the days grow short
And spirits may run low
I'd plant a pine upon the scape
T'would lend a cheery glow.

I'd like a tree to mark the spot
Where I am laid to rest
For that would be the epitaph
That I would like the best.

Tho it's not carved upon a stone
For those who come to see
But friends would know that resting there
Is he, who loved a tree

Samuel N. Baxter






Give me a land of boughs in leaf,
A land of trees that stand;
Where trees are fallen there is grief;
No love no leafless land."
- A.E. Housman









Let the trees be consulted before you take any action
every time you breathe in thank a tree
let tree roots crack parking lots at the world bank headquarters
let loggers be druids specially trained and rewarded
to sacrifice trees at auspicious times
let carpenters be master artisans
let lumber be treasured like gold
let chain saws be played like saxophones
let soldiers on maneuvers plant trees give police and criminals a shovel
and a thousand seedlings
let businessmen carry pocketfuls of acorns
let newlyweds honeymoon in the woods
walk don't drive
stop reading newspapers
stop writing poetry
squat under a tree and tell stories.


- John Wright









http://www.ncsu.edu/project/treesofstrength/poems.htm

[Blue_In_AK]

113. Thank you. :)

[Lorien]

112. Ohmygosh! I missed your first post, but those photos actually have

put tears in my eyes. I can't tell you how upset I would be if I were in the same situation! I sobbed when my neighbors cut down eight HUGE live oaks behind my property, which left me with a view of a yellow concrete apartment complex and a parking lot full of intense security lights where once I had only seen trees. I still hate that view, and though your view isn't as awful, it's still radically changed by the destruction. I'm glad that they are offering you something, but geez-what his crew did seems downright malicious to me. I'm so sorry that it happened. :hug:

[russspeakeasy]

114. Good for you...

[bertman]

115. Thank you for the update, blue. It's gratifying to hear that the reps from the companies

were so upset and willing to help you.

Just makes me wonder WTF the dooffusses with chainsaws were thinking. Probably not thinking. Just sawing.

I hope the lilacs turn out to be a great solution.

[MedicalAdmin]

116. I'm curious. Is this a public utility?

I'm pretty sure my private utility would tell me too bad, so sad and you can sue us if you want to.

[Blue_In_AK]

118. Yes, it is a co-op.

Chugach Electric Association. From their website:

Chugach is a cooperative – a cooperative is a way to organize a business. Chugach was formed to serve its member-owners. In many ways, cooperatives are like any other business; but in several important ways they're unique and different.

Cooperative benefits:

Owned and democratically controlled by their members – the people who use the co-op’s services or buy its goods – not by outside investors; co-op members elect their board of directors from within the membership.

Return surplus revenues (income over expenses and investment) to members proportionate to their use of the cooperative, not proportionate to their “investment” or ownership share. This is Chugach’s “capital credits” program.

Motivated by service, not profit – to meet their members' needs for affordable and high quality goods or services.
Exist solely to serve their members.

This is true. I get a check in the mail from them every couple of years.

[Liberal_in_LA]

119. thank you SO much for the update. I'm glad you fought for your rights to a

new tree. :-) When I first read your story, I was afraid that you wouldn't call the tree people. Glad you did.

[defendandprotect]

120. Trust this will all work out -- large hole to fill there -- Japanese Lilacs sound good -- !! :)

[Butch350]

121. Got a fireplace or a wood burning stove?

Should shave a little bit off the ole heating bill.

[joeybee12]

122. That really sucks...such a beautiful tree to lose...knr

[truedelphi]

123. Oh No, Blue In AK, I don't know what to say.

I die inside every time someone mangles a tree that I merely drive by.

But to lose this beautiful, living breathing creature - one that was part of your family, my sincere condolences.

Again, wish my words could help. And a big mental boot in the arse to the folks who did this.

I do hope that some good comes of it - perhaps there will be some instructions to staff on how to properly trim a tree?

[Book Lover]

128. I'm glad to know they're doing what they can to make it right

Here's hoping for ideal conditions for the new plants!

[Dennis Donovan]

129. I know exactly how you feel...

My city SLAUGHTERED our 100+ year old maple tree last fall. They claimed it was diseased (the independent contractor we hired disputed the findings) and a danger. So, without ANY notification whatsoever, they came and summarily cut it down while I was at work. I'm in the process of suing them now...:grr:

[Blue_In_AK]

130. I hope you win.

That's unconscionable. At least in our case, they came to the door and said they were going to be "pruning." Little did we know what they meant by that. \\

[lunatica]

132. You will make it a beautiful wonderland again

Hugs!

[guitar man]

133. get it in writing

Anything they promise, get it in writing, signed and notarized from them. That way if they don't come through on their promise you can take them to court.

Good luck! :)

[d_r]

151. yes, get it writing

come next spring they'll have lots of new things going on and might let some things slip to the back burner; plus the person you talked to might get sick, sell the company, move on, who knows what might happen.

[RebelOne]

135. I am glad you getting some compensation

even though it will not make up for your original tree.

[Divine Discontent]

137. ugh. what a dumb move by the staff! i'm so glad you got someone with a lick of sense to make amends

it sounds like, and get this, at least somewhat, corrected to a decent resolve.

Good job!


Get it here now, or one of a million other designs! http://www.zazzle.com/republicans_2012_keeping_millions_out_of_work_bumper_sticker-128659602907896843?rf=238107662556833486

[dddem]

139. I'm so glad they acknowledged responsibility and are trying to make it right.

People don't seem to want to do that anymore. And I also think it's very gracious of you to appreciate the effort they are making. People don't often seem to want to do that anymore either.
Peace.

[babylonsister]

140. I missed your original threads; now I know what they mean

by a hatchet job. :( So sorry to read this, but it does sound as if the company is trying to do the right thing.
Do Japanese lilacs smell like purple lilacs down here? Reminds me of my Mimi; she had lilacs in NY that were spectacular.

Hugs to you and your hubby for having to go through this. :hug:

[1monster]

141. Those lilacs come in other colors than white. I particularly love the lavender ones...

(but lilacs don't grow in Florida :( ).



white:

pink:

purple:

burgandy:

I'd ask for one (or more) in every color and create a lilac color palette or pattern to suit your tastes.

[Blue_In_AK]

143. I PMed you, 1Monster,

but these are gorgeous, and I kind of like the idea of multi-colored.

I guess I just have to think of this as a new landscaping adventure and put my heart into it like the rest of the ongoing gardening. I do feel a hell of a lot better than I did on Monday, I can assure you. :)

[webDude]

144. I don't blame you guys, they really went crazy.

[McCamy Taylor]

146. Poor tree! My favorite red maple was threatened by the city. And they insisted upon pruning

my favorite live oak. Luckily, I was home both times, so I could supervise.

Tree murder is just as bad as pet murder.

[Maat]

147. Make sure to get an agreement IN WRITING. (n/t)

[Uncle Joe]

148. Congratulations on the outcome, keep us up to date next spring.

Thanks for the thread, Blue_In_AK.

[City Lights]

149. I'm glad they decided to do something to try and improve the situation.

Your tree was beautiful. I'm so sorry this happened to you.

[annabanana]

150. You got a pretty good response. Even though YOUR tree can't

be brought back, it sounds like they are making a genuine good faith effort....

[ChadwickHenryWard]

152. A little bit of beauty is returned to the world.

How blissful.

[AikidoSoul]

153. The photos of the destroyed tree made me physically ill.

It is disgusting that they did this.

You seemed to have kept a cool head. I would not have.

[Kaleva]

154. Glad things have worked out for you (so far)!

[proud patriot]

155. yes sounds like they will correct the error

While it will never bring your tree back, the new ones will be nice too.

[mike dub]

157. This grinds my gears...

Wow- so sorry to see this. Unfortunately, this reminds me of near our home in North Carolina-- the city is widening a road and they completely cut down and removed stumps of six or so 40-year-old live oak trees ... which had been planted in a beautiful row. I'm absolutely not convinced that taking those beautiful trees down was necessary. The new powerlines don't go that close to where they stood. Still hate driving by there and thinking of those great trees being murdered. Consolation; at least they were at a strip mall / not someone's private/home property.

Good that they will 'replace' it, but very sad that they killed your grand old tree.

On a happier note, I did see a good pruning job of two live oaks in a person's front yard ...where powerlines ran within safety zone of the tree. But the tree service hired by the utility co. or city pruned just enough, but left many good branches. So enough of the limbs still have that elegant droop to them, and have filled out to replace some of the bare pruned space.

[Stumbler]

158. I read your original post & it brought tears to my eyes.

Nothing can replace a generational tree. But to mimic the concern of others, get that guarantee in writing so you can actually have something to replace what remains in the spring. K & R'd.

[blue_roses_lib]

160. They are cutting them in my neighborhood too

I live in an older neighborhood in Anchorage with lovely old trees of all different sorts, and the city is going in to remove the evil Mayday trees. Pruning is one thing, what happened to your tree and what I fear is happening in my neighborhood is utter bullsh*t. I walked through last night in the dark, so I couldn't see the severity of the "prune." I will take a walk tomorrow in daylight to survey.

I am off to see if the ones @UAA are in danger.



:mad:

I am happy that they are trying to make things right for you. :hug:

[Blue_In_AK]

161. Thank you, blue_roses_lib

I had the definite feeling that this was a war against Mayday trees. Jeff Lowenfels has spent a lot of time badmouthing them in the Daily News and trying to create the impression that they are invasive or a weed. Personally, I don't see how they're any more invasive than any other non-native ornamental tree that you see planted around here. In our case, I wouldn't be surprised if this tree wasn't here before the telephone wires were put in. It's never caused a problem, never reached the height of the electric wires, so I don't know what the issue was, other than they're too lazy or cheap to get up there and do a good job.

I was sadly amused as we stepped out this evening that we could hear the sound of the chainsaw down the street. Sure enough, there's Carlos Tree Service ever so tenderly pruning a birch tree from around the electric wires and treating it with great care. Of course they're taking care now after we raised hell, but A BIRCH TREE? Come on, they're a dime a dozen.

We told Mr. Carlos that we would take down our two-sided sign that said "Carlos Tree Service MURDERED this old tree without our permission," but if he doesn't come through with the lilac trees, it's going back up. And we'll follow him around town with it, too.


P.S. I live in Spenard/Turnagain area. Are you on the west side?

[blue_roses_lib]

166. I went walking around my neighborhood this morning

And didn't see any major cutbacks yet. What I am seeing, and I think it may have more to do with Sullivan's crackdown on camps are massive clearcuts to the little wooded areas on the hills on Arctic and C. Ugly.

I'm in Northstar, just north of you, Arctic/Fireweed/Chester Creek. I agree there's a vendetta against the Mayday tree and I don't understand it either. I'll have to go reread the article from the ADN, but I remember seeing a photo of crews of volunteers lining up to go rip out Mayday trees from around Chester Creek.

Good on you for the sign - and I would follow them around if you don't get your lilacs. Sloppy lazy bastids.

[JanMichael]

165. According to some know-it-alls on the last thread this is not needed.

The stumps would be purty in just a couple of years because of the aged root system. The tree choppers know less that the internet KIA's. They shoulda left the stumps and watered hem furever.

PS - I'm glad that the people that did the harm are bucking up. Good luck with the replacement trees.

[Jamastiene]

168. I have a very old oak tree in front of my house.

It is one of those old oak trees with a super large trunk diameter of about 3 feet. I love that tree. The power company cut it half into long ways. In other words, they cut ALL of the branches off the side of the tree that was facing the power lines. My power lines are underground and I'm not exactly rich. I hate what they did to my oak tree. I loved that tree. It might survive, but it will always be marred by the way they cut it.

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your tree. What they did to your tree was so much more severe and horrible. I cannot believe anyone would think that is an acceptable way to trim a tree. I get sad when trees are killed needlessly.