Six years ago, today, crews cut down a tree in my parent’s front yard.
It grew tall and thrived--the way a maple tree should. It weathered storms, provided shade, beauty, and a home for birds.
As it grew, however, its branches got entangled in the power lines. They've co-existed, without incident, for quite a while. No one seemed to be bothered by the intertwining; or maybe the right eyes never noticed.
Tree maintenance crews conducted inspections in the neighborhood for several weeks. Because the power lines were a priority, the maple tree, in spite of its status, longevity, and benefits, wouldn’t be pruned or gently uprooted and replanted. It had been deemed unhealthy, was cut down, and reduced to kindling and wood chips.
A stump was all that was left when the work was done. It was an eyesore; something to potentially trip over.
I wonder if the tree would have had a different fate if the maintenance crew represented the Arbor Day Foundation instead of Pepco? Nevertheless, electricity trumps maple trees.
Gotta have power, I suppose.
The tree didn't do anything wrong to cause its demise. Though the spot it occupied for so long may have seemed perfect, it simply was no longer prudent.
Lessons from the yard:
It matters with whom or what you get entangled.
What looks good can be rotten to its core.
Priorities are reordered for a reason.
Even longstanding things can be replaced or removed.
It it's a problem, it doesn't matter if it was there first.
When even one element is gone, the landscape changes.
Where you're planted may determine or ensure safety, security, and longevity.
Plant wisely.
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