Thank God!!

**shais_mom** · 07-28-2006, 04:55 PM

holy RIP!
$5000 + wowza!!!

**lbaker** · 07-28-2006, 06:15 PM

Takedowns on a sick tree are sometimes cheaper and safer than trimming on a sick tree, for what it's worth. BUT, get the opinion of the guy you know because takedowns are also easier ~ perhaps that's where the opinion was coming from (which one is faster/easier for us says the tree guy to himself). Trees on the West Coast are obviously different from East Coast trees so I can't and won't second guess

I wish, for many reasons, Baker were here to advise

DANG. ).

**gini** · 07-29-2006, 12:17 PM

MOFF, the treeman that I trust is the one that came out first. He felt that once the limb was removed that the tree could be saved.

It was the crew of six - and that foreman that I don't know that told me the tree should come down.

I don't know him at all - and he isn't a licensed arborist - he is just a worker bee like the rest of them. So I don't trust his opinion. And I was smarting a bit over the price switch that didn't leave me too confident.

I will take a picture later today and post it of the huge "hole" that is left where the limb fell.

I cannot imagine my backyard without this tree. But, if I have to deal with it, I will - and as soon as possible get another tree to replace this one.

I just keep saying to myself, over and over - THANK GOD that this didn't happen during the BBQ and that no one was hurt.

**RICHARD** · 07-29-2006, 02:40 PM

because I am so dense I forgot that the head of the family that lives in my mom's rental is a tree trimmer.

I told my brother about G's tree and the price and he told me, "Stupid, that man (the renter) does that kind of work...."

Flog me with a noodle.

I do have a story about that tree.....

I am a little hesitant to tell it because everyone will know that I am crazy.

During the prep for the party I looked at the tree and focused on a crack that I had noticed.

I was going to tell Gini but something told me NOT to bring that up....She is a worry wart and I dodn't want to put something else on her.

On Saturday, as the sun went down, I had this real bad feeling.....

It was hot, muggy and then the wind started to pick up.,...I was looking up and saw that there was lightining off in the distance.

Fior some strange reason I was very uneasy.Why?

I don't know...While we were on the deck, I mentioned that I was going home and Gini told me that I wasn't my usual self....I guess she noticed that I was kinda antsy...

When I spoke to her on Thursday I kinda got spooked....

Now, I am not saying that I have any strange powers of anything like that, but there was somethng that made me a little uneasy that night.

Strange at that moment, but even stranger looking back on the whole event.

**catland** · 08-01-2006, 05:19 PM

Are things getting better for you yet?

**NoahsMommy** · 08-02-2006, 01:59 AM

Wow....reading Richard's preminition/gut feeling is, wow, amazing!! Thank God we were safe and the tree decided to wait till Mom was in her office, so that she was safe too!

Gini, I would trust your first tree guy. I remember Sara's issues with the landscaper that wanted to tear down the jacaranda tree because it was "messy" (what a reason to kill a tree!!

). I think getting a second opinion is a good idea.

Now, its diseased? Is this something that can be healed/helped?

Keeping you, your home and everything in it in my prayers. You deserve a break, Mom!!!

Hugs, Kelly

**gini** · 08-02-2006, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by catland

Are things getting better for you yet?

Well, that depends.......my trusted tree man came this morning and after carefully looking at the tree he said that at least a third of the tree would have to be trimmed and then there was no guarantee that the fungus wouldn't continue to do its damage etc.

And the final option that he reluctantly recommended is that the entire tree be removed and I start again. He is so busy it will be weeks before he can get over here to remove the tree. And we are talking $$$

He left and I burst into tears......................sorry folks, I just happen to have a mad love affair with this tree.

Then my gardener who I have had for years just flipped out when he saw the tree and heard that I was going to have it removed. He practically begged me not to do it - and wants to trim the tree way back - seriously back. He said it would look absolutely awful for a while - but with treatment and care - it WOULD come back.

So there you have it - I haven't moved forward or backward - right this minute I am not sure what I am going to do.

**lbaker** · 08-03-2006, 06:36 AM

I remember very well when the first annual BBQ at your home was being planned someone asked if you had a pool. Your reply was that no, it would have to be a pool or your tree and went on to talk about how much you loved your tree. So do we all Gini, so do we all.

**Pam** · 08-03-2006, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by momoffuzzyfaces

How's Richard with a chain saw?
(now why does that thought frighten me? )

I am sorry to laugh, but I have just read this entire thread from start to finish and I think that this line was just the tension breaker that I needed!

Good one MOFF!

Gini I am so sorry that you might lose your tree but very relieved that no humans or felines were harmed throughout this whole ordeal. Prices in California are sure different than here on the East Coast!

I can understand your feeling of not knowing which way to turn. Conflicting *takes* on the situation have to be distressing. Even if the tree was deemed unsafe it would be somewhat comforting to know that everyone was of the same mind on this. I hope that you get some peace in your heart and mind as to know what to do. (((hugs)))

**zippy-kat** · 08-03-2006, 01:29 PM

We had our oak tree cut WAY back a few years ago. It looked TERRIBLE (think gigantic broccoli) but the tree was saved and it now looks better than ever.

{{hugs}}

**wolflady** · 08-03-2006, 02:31 PM

Gosh, I'm sorry that this tough decision was placed in your lap, Gini. I know how much you love that tree, as so we all who have attended the BBQ!

Perhaps having it trimmed way back first to see if you can save it would be the way to start. At least that way you'll know if you really do need to have the whole thing removed later.

**hugs**

**RICHARD** · 08-05-2006, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by Pam

I am sorry to laugh, but I have just read this entire thread from start to finish and I think that this line was just the tension breaker that I needed!

Good one MOFF!

It figures....

Me, the butt of all jokes.

P.S.

Remember the last maniac with a chainsaw?

He had a movie made about him!

**gini** · 08-08-2006, 04:14 PM

I am so excited I just can't stand it.

After thinking and thinking about this tree - and looking at it carefully..........and "listening"............................

I made the decision to NOT remove this tree. I just talked to the Tree Surgeon and next week he will severely trim the tree back and treat it.

Then he will return in November to take a look at it and treat it again.

He said it may be several years before I see good solid growth - but we could be surprised.

The tree does not seem to have suffered any shock and the remaining branches and leaves look very healthy.

A huge thank you to all of you who expressed concern and advice. You cannot believe how making this decision has lifted my spirits.

♥♥♥ from my tree and me!