Last Wednesday morning Mark and I were nervously wandering around the house waiting for the crew who were scheduled to take down two old trees and do high pruning on a few others. Nothing was happening and then suddenly there were about six guys, all in neon safety vests and bright coral hoodies, standing in the snow at the base of the big Sugar Maple that was slated for removal. After a lot of looking and discussion, Cameron Lundin, of LundinTree decided that the snow depth and the problematic location of that tree meant they were going to postpone that job. They will likely have to block one traffic lane with their equipment to get that one down.
That decided, they immediately went to work on the tree that was more easily accessible to deal with. This giant bucket truck backed into the driveway almost up to the house. We watched them through the window of the bathroom that is located above the garage, giving us a great view.
It was fun and instructive to be able to watch this arborist strap himself into the bucket and be raised up to begin work on the Austrian pine. All the trees that were planted when our house was built are approaching 60 years old. According to the Morton Arboretum, Austrian pines are not recommended for planting anywhere in this region due to susceptibility to many diseases and pests, and usually require removal and/or replacement. That has certainly been our experience with them. Our property had four big ones when we moved in and we're down to one remaining.
He began by removing side branches. Though Mark did go outside to shoot some of the photos, I found it was a great experience being able to watch this process from the second story of our house instead of standing on the ground staring up; never a good idea for someone like me with inner ear issues.
Then he topped one of the trunks of the tree.
He topped the second trunk after all the side branches were removed. It was amazing to watch these men work with such precision.
We were removing the pine because it was interfering with the growth and health of our Forest Pansy redbud growing beneath it. These guys never broke even a tiny branch off the redbud while they worked above and around it.
While all this was happening in the front garden, another pair were high pruning the remaining Austrian pine in the back garden. This tree was affecting the growth of our Acer tegmentosum 'White Tigress.' This pine is still in good enough condition that we are leaving it in place.
Once the side branches and tops of the tree were gone, they began to take down the two trunks in logs that were probably 12 feet long.
Finally they were ready to remove the main trunk. I'd put stakes and pink tape around all the shrubs and rocks in that area knowing the crew would likely be working when snow covered everything. I did not want these underplantings harmed and I was equally concerned that the workmen did not get hurt by buried landscaping.
This crew were amazing. They could do anything!
Bye-bye big guy. I don't think we're going to miss you.
When they were all finished, the crew blew the driveway clean of any debris and sawdust remaining from their work. We've been more than happy over the years with the tree work we've had done on our property. But LundinTree have moved to the head of the class after watching their expertise and attention to our larger landscape.
Fascinating! Good tree people can be hard to find.
Posted by: Kristin | Tuesday, February 02, 2021 at 08:24 AM
I'm glad it went so well! What a relief to have a problematic tree gone. I know you'll be happy when they are able to get to the second one.
Posted by: Barbara H. | Tuesday, February 02, 2021 at 11:13 AM
You read my mind as I was thinking "but what about the plants buried under the snow"... good you had them marked off.
Posted by: danger garden | Tuesday, February 02, 2021 at 11:41 AM
LOREE — Hoping my system worked. We had snow again last weekend and next week is supposed to be very cold, so I am hoping all my babies make it through the winter.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Tuesday, February 02, 2021 at 11:58 AM
Removing a tree, and cutting others back, is often bittersweet but a good crew takes the stress down a level. I hope your experience with the sugar maple goes as smoothly.
Posted by: Kris P | Tuesday, February 02, 2021 at 02:10 PM
Great shots from your lofty viewing point. Much warmer than standing out in the snow as well!
The BBC are repeating the American Gardens series as a lead in to the next season of Gardeners’ World. Really looking forward to watching those again.
Posted by: rusty duck | Tuesday, February 02, 2021 at 03:38 PM
Fascinating description and photos! I always find it slightly sad when a tree is cut down, but there are definitely times when it should happen. And it sounds like yours are warranted. We need to have some branches trimmed on our property, and probably some very old Oaks removed. I will be very sad when that happens. But change is good when it's the right time.
Posted by: Beth@PlantPostings | Saturday, February 06, 2021 at 11:31 AM
I love watching the tree removal crews. It is an art. Your tape is a great idea.
My computer has been at the repair shop for a week so I am catching up with reading posts. Such awful cold coming at us this weekend. Stay warm.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 06:27 AM
LISA — We look like we are finally coming out of our major cold spell. Luckily we have a lot of snow on the ground so the plants should be OK.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 10:10 AM