TreeGate 2010

As mentioned before, the wind storm a few weeks ago alerted us to a problem on the side of our house. We have 2 extremely large trees on the side of our house, and we knew that one was not healthy. It had several sections that did not produce leaves and the trunk was bulging and splitting. The wind made the trunk-split much worse, so we decided to have the tree removed.

It was quite a process...emails to our insurance agent, bids from tree services, and consultations from family friends who are tree experts (thanks, Keith and Brad!)

After much thought, we found an arrangement that would work. The tree service would "drop" the tree, meaning cut it apart and drop it on our lawn, and Sam would clean it up and break down the chunks of wood.

The "tree guys" came on Sunday morning and they got to work while I took the kids to church. We came home to find this:
It was amazing to watch them dissect this giant plant. Tree Expert Keith estimated that this tree was at least 50 years old--it was probably spared from the clearing that happened to build our house back in 1958. Its extensive root system is what kept it from falling over; we are thankful for that!
This was just the beginning of the giant brush pile Sam has been clearing. This pile doubled in size and there was another equal-sized pile on the other side of the house. Not to mention the big logs, branches, and pieces of the trunk! Another big thanks to our friend Dale for helping Sam break down the big chunks of wood and loaning us his truck for hauling. Sam hauled all day today and will again tomorrow. Moving a tree one pickup load at a time is not very efficient! And thanks to Karl for the use of his chainsaw!

All in all, TreeGate 2010 was a learning experience for us as homeowners. Unexpected things happen (usually at a bad time) and you have to roll with it. Also, the cheapest labor is the kind you do yourself :)