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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Felling

The yard around the old farmhouse resembled a bit of a war zone last week. Our long awaited and much overdue septic system replacement is to happen soon but in order for that to happen we had to have some trees removed first. Eleven, actually, but who's counting? They weren't just any trees though, they were old spruce trees averaging around 80' high. They surrounded the old farmhouse on three sides and were planted, well fifty-five years ago to be exact and they were planted far too close to the house. I'm sure it's hard to imagine how big a tree will be in fifty-five years but let me tell you, it's pretty big. This might give you an idea...


and just in case you needed proof of age, go ahead, count'em!



Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one to have a tree removed on a whim, in fact when we first moved into the old farmhouse my husband insisted they would have to come down while I insisted they had to stay. Over the course of the last year, I've come to realize that, unfortunately, their demise would have to be sooner rather than later. These trees were not only destroying the roof and blocking out all light around three quarters of the old farmhouse, but they were also blocking the growth of the very old sugar maples that run along the road in front of the house. Let's see, 150 year old farm house and similar aged maples or 55 year old spruce trees? Hopefully, you can understand why I placed my allegiance where I did. Not to mention, I would really like to take a shower without fear and the majestic maples, I swear, are breathing gently now rather than gasping for air when they were strangled by the spruce.


We watched a few of the spruce come down from outside, but nothing compared to unexpectedly hearing one from inside the house. The entire house and all of its contents shook, giving everyone inside a quick jolt!




All said, it took three days for the trees to come down. Two days to cut down and cut into smaller pieces for splitting, and a third day for chipping. It took four men all day to chip every branch, and boy did they work hard, and wow do we have a lot of pine chips! We'll be spreading most of them in the pine forest beside the old farmhouse and we'll save some for next year when we hopefully are able to tackle the promised tree house. We also have an exaggerated amount of pine and spruce logs, we'll be hosting bonfires for all of our city friends for the next decade...now that they can find the old farmhouse, no longer hiding among the spruce.

Ready for the long weekend after a hard day's work.

4 comments:

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

We had to make the same decision a few years ago. Heart-wrenching but it had to be done.
Your home is beautiful! I would love to see more of it, please? I just love, love old homes, but you knew that didn't you!
Misha

Debbie said...

It is always hard to make the decision to cut down a tree (or 20 in our case) but sometimes it is necessary. Good luck with the "septic renovation". We have a septic system but it is one of those nyadic waste treatment systems that don't require a trenching field but also aren't operative if there is not electricity to the system. Ah the joys of semi-rural life.

Flat Creek Farm said...

A bittersweet time, for sure.. when old tree friends have to come down! Wow, that was quite a tall one.. almost dizzy-ing to watch :) Now there will be more light for your new wedding plants to thrive! -Tammy

Elle Bee said...

My goodness, your home is beautiful. And I completely understand your choice! Like Misha, I too would love to see more pictures of the old farmhouse.
Elle