We have had quite the excitement around here as of late. Sunday evening as we bustled about the kitchen, packing Becs lunch and getting ready to BBQ our neighbor came by. She lives across the street, we had waved but never introduced ourselves.
“Did you know that part of your tree fell and is blocking the road?”
J & I rushed out … Sure enough our big beautiful maple tree, had split leaving a huge branch across the road, taking down a street light wire as well. I jetted in to call the power company and let the children out to investigate. Cordelia in tow I stood outside as I watched EVERY single neighbor come out and help my husband with hand saws start to clear the tree.
The ladies and I stood there chatting (hey I had to hold the baby, and they each wanted their turn besides there weren’t enough saws to go around!), thankfully another neighbor from an adjacent street drove by, then drove home, returning with a chainsaw, making the job a lot easier.
We now know all our neighbors. They left their football game watching to lend a hand. We even got a business card of an arborist, whom I called that evening. There was some concern that the other parts of the maple could come crashing down. I am in awe that the branch fell when it did. We have amazing neighbors.
The tree survived hurricanes, tropical storms, winds and rains. Our street is not crazy busy but a lot of people walk, run, take their dogs out and drive by.
No one got hurt by our maple tree. It would have killed a pedestrian. It would have totaled a car. No one was parked there (we have a fire hydrant in front).
So now our old maple tree is almost gone. The tree removal guys did their thing yesterday, taking it down branch by branch. Now we have a larger view of the harbour, and a lot less privacy. Looking out the window feels strange like we are looking out the wrong window. Almost 50 years of history and stories stored up in that old tree … gone. I am heart broken for the old tree.
I hope in a few years we can plant a tree in its honour. We can watch the tree grow and make new history, new stories.
A Canadian mom with three cute kids. This blog chronicles our lives my creative pursuits. 
Sorry about your tree, but at least you met your neighbors. Growing up, we had a 300 yo oak that got hit by lightening. Well, we had 4 of them and only 1 of them get hit. The tree and the house (we lost all electronics). I don’t recall replacing it.
Any thoughts on what you’ll replace it with?
Holly´s last blog ..Proud mother moment
How sad for the tree, glad to hear no one was hurt. You guys seemed to have found a great neighbourhood. So you guys are that close to water, looks lovely. You must take some pictures and share with us one day
(This comment was brought to you today by the word YOU I wrote it alot it seems
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We had a big huge tree (can’t recall what it was) in our front yard when we were kids… we had a huge lightening storm and it got hit as well. We’re lucky because it was RIGHT on the corner of our house and thankfully it fell away from it. We heard a HUGE crack and it came crashing down with a LOUD BOOM. It took forever to cut that tree up and get it out of the front yard.
Cool idea on replacing it!
Stephanie´s last blog ..A little bit surreal mixed with a whole lot of scariness.
That is sad! I love old trees. I like to imagine who planted them and what they have seen. Glad no one was hurt!
Brie´s last blog ..The birthday season
The neighbourhood spirit is great in action, is it not?
It’s quite surreal watching an old tree being cut down… Olivia’s school had to take one down earlier this year, around 100yrs old. It was a danger to the children. It was quite devastating to watch.
Amazing that no -one or car was harmed! Yay for the fire hydrant!
Gail´s last blog ..Day 23…. Bring on School Holidays!
Old trees, like people, cannot last forever – and there’s something to be said for standing so tall for so long.
Beck´s last blog ..House, Wife
I have been there I know exactly how scary that is. I also know how sad an amputated tree makes you feel. Maybe you can do something creative for Halloween with the stump?
Deb´s last blog ..Adventure: the lost part of transition
For something as sad as losing a tree, the silver lining is the lack of damage it did. Plant one in honor of your kids one day!
Jocelyn´s last blog ..
Thank goodness no one was hurt, and it didn’t fall on your house!
Chantal´s last blog ..Project revealed
You made some fantastic lemonade with those lemons.
And you have a view of the harbor? I want to see! What a lovely location you live in.
Heather´s last blog ..Nine Years
I’m so sorry about the tree! But that is so awesome that all your neighbors came to help!
Oh that is so sad but at least it did not fall on your house. Maybe you can guys can plant one in the spring. Maybe 3, one for each child so they have their own tree.
Rachel´s last blog ..Hormones, Running, School work and the kids
Wow, that’s great. Nothing like a small disaster to make people come out and meet their neighbors.
I’m only partly kidding — when Hurricane Wilma destroyed our region, everyone was talking about how they got to know their neighbors better.
I hope you can plant a new tree!
Holly at Tropic of Mom´s last blog ..In flight
So glad no one was hurt. It feels good to know your neighbors helped out like that. We have been fortunate to have good neighbors as well.
Hope the baby and the family is well!
Cara´s last blog ..A sweet memory
Although I’m sad to hear about your beautiful tree, I love that all your neighbors stepped in to help! We don’t really have that kind of camraderie in my area, and I envy you for that:)
Yea! You got to meet your neighbors! But you know, all good things must come to an end, and I guess it was just time for the tree. And I had no idea you lived that close to a Harbour. You lost a tree, but gained wonderful friends and a beautiful view.
Robina´s last blog ..Totally Random
Sounds like quite an event. Glad you have such great neighbors!
Madeline´s last blog ..Where I’ve Been And Miscellaneous Updates