It was a great tree. I cannot tell you how my heart aches to use the past tense when referring to our beautiful 70’ pine tree. But unfortunately, it did have to come down.
Anyone walking Duquesne Avenue past the library has seen it. And from the rings they counted in the stump that would have been true for about 80 years–double what we had heard.
The twisting trunk had intrigued many a passer-by and guest to the Inn over the years. How had it grown so strangely twisted and leaning? We’d heard it was a live Christmas tree planted moons ago that had been crushed under the weight of a heavy snow. Who knows now if that is the case. (The tree knew but it wasn’t telling.)
It had made friends with our house; leaning against the roof and creating a sort of co-dependent relationship. Who was supporting who? When we moved in, we were lulled by the creaking it made daily when even just a small breeze blew. It was spooky in the fall; it was comforting in the winter.
But lately, the lean had gotten… leanier. Folks started to mention it casually while walking by. Tree specialists all agreed it was very healthy but very dangerous. The creaks in the wind became louder and quite scary and the porch supports were clearly starting to give under the weight.
It wasn’t an easy decision emotionally; but it was an obvious decision logically. With the climate changing and zero moisture for months, all we needed was one good and heavy monsoon to loosen the parched soil. So… down it had to come. Much to the chagrin of the raven family living in it! (They have been relocated to a large walnut in our back yard and we’re waiting for the two babies to fledge any day now.)
I miss looking up at the green against the blue sky; I miss the creaks in the wind; our roof looks enormous and bright… but my house is no longer at risk of being cut in half and we and our insurance company are very happy for that.
Previously in Great Trees of Eastern Santa Cruz County:
“A Pleistocene Juniper” by Jim Koweek
“The Hollow Tree of Harshaw Townsite” by Cassina Farley
“The Mexican Blue Oak of Sonoita Creek” by Vince Pinto
Do you know a great tree? Share it with us! Submit photos (or artwork!) and text about your favorite tree to prtadast@gmail.com. It can be any tree on public or private property in Eastern Santa Cruz County. (You don’t have to disclose the tree’s exact location unless you want to.) Tell us what makes the tree great: maybe it’s the tree’s size, shape or age; or its leaf color; or the animals and insects who inhabit it; or the special events or family traditions associated with it; or perhaps something more personal. Whatever it is, share it with us. Let’s celebrate our area’s natural splendor and heritage!