My Trees

I've lived at the same home for over 20 years. Being a young homeowner meant I had to learn to take care of things myself. A right of passage if you will. I have two trees in the front yard and in my first year of home-ownership, I realized these trees were going to need attention. Branches were hanging low. Some over the sidewalk and others a hindrance towards mowing the lawn.

I purchased a 6-foot ladder and small hand saw and planned my cuts. I saw several dead limbs that needed to go. Others that were healthy, however; would need to be sacrificed for the cause. Some of the smaller, dead ones I could whack off with the saw and others just break off with my hands. A lot of branched where easy to reach. Others took some effort. I was forced to stand dangerously on the ladder's top step. Sometimes even climbing the tree itself to properly saw.

When I finished, I had a sore wrist, cut hands, and a wrenched back, but I was pleased with my accomplishment. I drug the dead, and not so dead, branches to the trash and when it was all said and done, I looked at my trees with a sense of pride. Perhaps also hoping to feel a small thanking you for cutting away the dead and making room for the new.

Over the years, I have realized a few things. These branches had been with the trees way before I owned them. They continue to grow and I notice where I had cut the year before. The trees deserve my respect. I always start with the small saplings at the bass and continue upwards. I try and be rational about what needs to go and where to cut. When I see a true dead branch I only cut where the dead begins and life still exists. I must take off the low hanging, weight heavy limbs that are in the way and perhaps a nuisance to the tree itself. And the process continues the following year.

One true consistency is a dead branch that I missed. It never fails. There is always one. But it's ok. I put my tools away and tell myself, 'it's cool, I'll see you next year. And I will look forward to helping you again. And thank you for what you have given me.'