We use to have 2 Bradford Pear trees in our backyard--that was before Bradfords were declared a bad tree to have. Last year we were advised to take down at least one of the trees, which we did. I was really upset as the 2 trees were the focal point of our little backyard. But hubby came up with a great idea for an arbor and flagstone walkway and patio. All was good..
..until we realized that the remaining tree was leaning over the house so much we held our breath every time the wind blew. Of course, the arborist that came out wanted to take the entire tree down, but I just can't do that-not yet anyway. So, we agreed that a good cut would buy us some time.
We marked the limbs we knew that had to come down with yellow tape, and left some of the decisions up to the arborist and his crew. Hubby stayed home to watch..I went to work and kept my fingers crossed I would still have a tree when I got home.The biggest goal was to get the limbs off the roof, and take away some of the weight.
I was so pleased when I got home. The guys did a fantastic job! They raised the canopy getting the big limbs off the roof, trimmed some of the unnecessary branches from the middle, but left us with a tree that blocked the west sun and still gave some shade.
You can see they took off some pretty good size limbs, but bless their hearts, they did not damage one thing in the yard!
Can you see the green bird feeder? I hung it back up the minute the guys were through. There is a red-winged black bird that thinks he owns this feeder and fussed at me the entire time it was down! I love this tree--even with all the spring blooms and mess. It's home to all my bird friends. The sad truth is that one day in the near future we will be forced to remove it. I pretty much stay in denial about that fact, and refuse to think about it for now. I continue to enjoy the shade, privacy and bird sanctuary it gives us and will worry about losing it another day.
15 comments:
Hi,
We have this problem with a weeping willow. I know it needs to be removed but I hate to see it go. I am thinking the same thing...just remove some of the branches that hand over the house.
Bradford pears are beautiful in the fall but the spring flowers make me have allergies)-: They are all around our town and when they are blooming I have to stay away. I just love to see them though in the fall. What beautiful colors they have! I am glad you were able to save the tree for a little while longer(-: The shade is so nice from trees and of course having a place for the birds is great too!!!
CiNdEeS' GaRdEn
I remember when there were no trees in the backyard...and when there was no gardening either. Boy, has it changed throughout the years! But I do remember dad building you your pond during one hot summer!
I hope this cutting helps the tree to stay put for many more years. It is a major element in your yard, which is so lovely by the way.
It looks like they did a very good job.
I'm glad they were able to salvage your beloved shade tree for now Linda. Maybe you can plan to plant a tree to replace it in the future? Something that grows fast & gives you that much needed shelter from the sun.
I nodded in agreement as I read this post. We have two huge Bradfords, one in the front and one on the side, and they, too are the major source of shade. We cut them back severely each year to keep them off the roof. I can't bring myself to cut them down, but if they ever get taken out by the wind, or die off, I won't be unhappy; but I'll sure miss the shade.
We're both dealing with tree issues, whether to prune or take down. Big decisions for gardeners that don't want to cause upset or transition for the bird families. In just my side yard, I have plenty of trees, so I'm not worried about having perches for them to hide in. And they build their nests in the birdhouses along the fence top. I wonder why Bradford Pear trees are now on the no-no list?
Brenda
I'm so glad it went so well. I'm amazed they/workers were able to do such a major job and not damage your wonderful oasis :-)
We had to go through the same thing a few years ago. It wasn't as bad as you might think. Yes there was a void for a while, but I bet you'll have fun planning and planting something else to take its place.
It's so hard to lose trees. You may want to plant another tree nearby in preparation for when this one comes down, and it will at some point. I think limbing it was a good move. My neighbor in Indiana has one in her tiny tiny backyard, that just happens to border our driveway there. What she does is pollards it. Basically the whole tree is cut back by 1/2 to 2/3s. It is surprising but this tree flowers and grows just fine. It shades our driveway which is great and does not cause any damage to our property or hers (it's on the property line) and even this gardener is happy with the situation. Not sure if this is an option for you since you like the big shade and it is pretty open, as if pollarded it will not cast as much shade but will become more dense in the middle. Running late this morning-must go now. ttyl
Cindee, sounds like you can relate to the way I am feeling! I enjoy the tree in summer and fall so much, I try and overlook the mess of spring. Luckily, I have no allergies to it. It is the only tree in this tiny yard, and the birds all love it. I am going to hate to see it go. :(
Hi mfd jen! Yes, I bet you do remember how it looked long ago. There were no trees or flower beds, only a swing set and sand box! It was a good place for young children, but the time came to create another space that we all could enjoy--and leave it up to your dad to start that process. I think you will agree the little backyard is certainly a nice place to sit, listen to the pond, lite the fire pit or chiminea, have a glass of wine--and just chill! (Makes ya want to come home, huh!) :)
Susie, I do hope the drastic cut will help. I have no idea what to do when it's time for the tree to come down. Maybe that will be many years away! :)
Racquel, you are right in that we have got to develop a back-up plan. We are going to be challenged though, with the size of this yard. I keep thinking....
We've had so many trees trimmed this way in different houses. I think it really looks nice and is much safer. You will be surprised how fast it will fill in.
Nola, I wish I felt like you on the trees. The problem is that the Bradford is the only tree in back. I'm not sure what we are going to eventually do--but I don't want to think about it right now! :)
Brenda, they are on the no-no list because they have found bradfords will split apart and can fall on your house. We've had 1 or 2 do that in our neighborhood. Back when we bought this house, Neil Sperry highly reccommended them!
I agree jj--we just knew something would happen. Hubby was so impressed with these guys. If you ever need tree service, let me give you their number.
Tina- you are so knowledgeable! I have never heard of pollard. Very interesting idea. You are right, not sure if it will work for us, but if we take the tree down, we would have no shade at all! Plus, we need the tree for privacy as well. Such problems, but I am not worrying about them today! :)
Hi Balisha--I hope it fills in quickly. That is the only disappointment--the tree looks kind of sparse.
I know, I know. The purist say not to have this plant. But it's so beautiful! Ours came with the house, and was planted by the city, so that's my excuse! I'm glad you were able to save yours.
msrobin--isn't that funny these trees are so no-no trees! We are not convinced we have saved it forever, but hopefully for a while. I love this tree!
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