Have you ever loved a tree? When I moved into my home my Norwegian Maple was just a teenager. I could wrap my arms around its trunk and hug it. I loved this tree the moment I saw it. Over the years it has given me so much relief in the summer from the heat with its glorious branches and leaves.

A wind blown virus/fungus - that is what the tree doctor told me happened.

We have tried so hard to save it with expensive treatments and trimming.

This week it was scheduled to have another treatment and the tree doctor gave me my bad news. It is deteriorating rapidly in the interior and the fungus is spreading upwards now into the upper branches.

There is a large hole where I lost the major branch last year and he could put his screwdriver clear through it showing me how soft it is.

So now it is becoming dangerous so it needs to be removed. Can I share with you that I sat down and cried?

My backyard will be bare - my orchids are going to hate the blazing sun - as they have thrived under the tree's canopy.

Sure I can replace it - he already told me that a crane would cost anywhere from $700.00 - $900.00 PER HOUR to bring in a new tree. That doesn't include of course, the cost of a new tree or their costs to plant it properly.

If you have some trees on your property - especially ones that you love - go out and give it a hug.

Thanks for listening.