LESSONS FROM THE YARD

It thrived and grew tall--the way a maple tree should--weathered storms, provided shade, beauty, and a home for birds. As it grew, its branches got entangled in the power lines, and they've co-existed for quite a while without incident. The tree maintenance crews have been inspecting in the neighborhood for the past few weeks. Because the power lines are a priority, the maple tree, in spite of its status, longevity and benefits, won't be pruned, or gently uprooted and replanted, but completely cut down, and reduced to kindling and wood chips. It's been deemed unhealthy. A stump will be all that's left when the work is done. I wonder if the tree would have a different fate if the maintenance crew had represented the Arbor Day Foundation instead of Pepco.

The tree didn't do anything wrong to cause its demise. It simply wasn't planted in the right place.

It matters what (or who) you get entangled with. 

So, my attention is now focused on the azaleas. Three bushes seemed to be okay, but the other two weren't flowering much at all, and some pale, brownish vine was taking over the beds they share with the evergreen shrubs. I found a straight rake in the garage and it took care of the vines. Just breaking away dead branches have helped the look of the bushes, too. I noticed a big difference in a matter of days. (Thank you internet for so many suggestions and how-to's). I'm on a mission to restore them. I remember how full and lush they used to be. It was because my mother faithfully attended to them. 
I don't want to blame their condition on the deer families in the area, but I've read that when what they like to eat is scarce, they'll eat whatever is available (like people do, I suppose...lol). I wish they were as fond of the bamboo in the back yard that seems to be making a comeback. 
Funny how the stuff you wish would go away holds fast. You can't be passive about it. It may have been pretty and harmless at first, but if you don't pay attention, it'll take over. It can't just be cut back. Unless it's dug up from the root, you'll have a jungle on your hands.