Thanks for your input. Sorry to hear you’ve had to experience something very similar. A mature tree feels like a sentinel, a guardian. And then when it can become a danger… it’s truly a loss
my apologies, Val, I thought I had responded! Yes, I thought you would like that reference. The Japanese culture has a very special affinity for trees. (quite different than in the States)
I have no advice for you, Jan, but I just wanted to commiserate. Every time I have seen a tree cut down, it has made me feel physically ill.
I see that others are saying, "move the cistern". Maybe that's not possible. Actually, a thought that occurs to me is this: would it be possible to dig around the cistern and put in a large sheet of steel, which the roots couldn't penetrate? That sounds no more expensive than moving the tree or the cistern to me. But I am not adept at these things.
Thank you, Gregory. I appreciate that you understand my pain and the complexity. More happened today and I’ll post an update. At the same time, I’ve also been pondering your last post (before the interview) and want to respond to that as well.
Also, since I have you here, just want to say how much I enjoy your photos. We share the same aesthetic. I forgot your language… what strikes me though is how perception is everything. Beauty, for me, is recognizing the sacred in all things. Without this recognition, things are “normal” or they just “are”, or they’re “profane”. Not as a judgement but rather as the counterpart to sacred. 🔆
Thank you, Jan. I like that. I'm glad that we have an aesthetic sense in common. I have never thought about it as recognizing the sacred in all things, but I see exactly what you mean. And of course that illuminates even better your dilemma about the tree. I hope that the updates are positive.
I think you can look at it another way. Firstly it is an invasive species to the area so I don't think any of the native plant life will shed a tear if it's gone plus who knows what other opportunities will arise in it's place. If the tree has to go, it can still provide a benefit for your garden. Put it through the wood chipper and use the chips as mulch. It's a great way to help the soil retain moisture that would benefit the other plants.
Thanks so much, Kim. Yes, as the contractor told me today, these roots are always going to be a problem. Now lemon trees on the other hand, their roots are manageable…
A few years ago in Boise, Idaho, a 100 year old sequoia tree that grew from a seedling sent by John Muir to the first Idaho state forester, was moved several blocks away from its original location.
I’ve enjoyed this tree for decades because of its beauty and historic significance. I’ve even tried to grow seedlings from it myself, unsuccessfully at the time, although I’d be able to do so now because I’ve learned how to start sequoia seedlings.
Yes, maybe that's why I never named these trees. I didn't allow myself to get *that* familiar with them. Some weird attempt to keep my distance. Never works though, does it?
Really sorry to hear about the peach tree. That's a huge blow. Loss of a tree, loss of a friend, and loss of lovely sweet peaches. :/
I feel your pain. Over 35 years, I planted and lost many, many trees at my house in the Poconos.
A row of mature fir trees, which provided my property complete privacy, were removed against my will by the property owners association because of new sewers.
Then, overtime as weather conditions changed, and we suddenly became part of a tornado zone, I had to remove several trees in fear of them falling over on my house!
How expensive is it to move the cistern? Those trees you have are gorgeous!
Turns out you don’t move it you just install a new one. And the contractor estimated 17 grand. In euros. Not including installation. Very grateful for Renee, and Australian, who just confirmed that these trees will always search for water and their roots never give up. 😕
I understand your pain. Maybe it could be helpful to think of the tree as not just one tree, but one tree is just an expression of the tree family — when one dies, it simply becomes part of the rest of the system. It allows the other trees around it to take more resources. I hope that helps 🥰
I cried as it was happening. Made them stop after the first cut so I could touch her trunk one last time, thank her, and try to explain. As hard as it was, I felt I needed to stay with her the whole time.
Admittedly, now that it’s done, I feel good about the future, about lemon trees we are planning snd so much more. I thought the space would feel empty but instead everything feels lighter. Maybe the other trees are relieved
I totally understand this pain. We had to cut a bunch of trees down on our land before building our house, and I felt awful about it too. Hopefully we can forgive ourselves, but more importantly, hopefully the trees can forgive us too 🥰
The Ficus tree is an exotic that does not belong in Sicily. And you already have several in your garden, it is not unique. Usually a foreign import does not support the local ensects, birds, lizards, just like the eucalyptus in much of Spain and Italy are biological deserts. Even oak trees from the US are not eaten by any insects because the local fauna has not adapted to it.
My advice is, don’t look at the individual tree, look at the whole system. Endeavour to restore a garden that is natural for that environment and will support the insects that are disappearing all over the world, that supports birds and small ceatures etc etc.
Same with the cacti. If from Africa, keep them. If from the Americas, get rid of them. Plant species that belong there and restore Nature, not some fantasie built out of foreign settler fancies.
You will be doing what biologists have been advocating for several decennia, in Africa, in Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia they eradicated all trees and plants that were imported from the British Empire and stimulated planting native trees, palms and bushes. Before that, streets and parks looked like they did in every ex-colony. After years of this policy, Australian public spaces and gardens took on that specific Aussie look.
Don’t grieve about one out of place tree, grieve for the original Sicily that wasn’t respected and was supplanted by trends and fads in gardening, or just free seedlings and cuttings.
I cried as it was being cut. And now, I’m glad it’s gone. Your words even have me eyeing the ficus close to the well, which I wasn’t ready to do anything about and now…. Yes, our garden will be much better with indigenous citrus trees! 🍋🍊🍋🟩
Your post was very tender and made feel your helplessness. I haven't had to cut down a tree but it would make me sad. I hope you find a good solution soon to avoid losing it.
Thanks. It’s down (I cried) and now I realize how invasive it really was. In fact, I’m ready to cut another in the fall and then have the roots ripped out. Apparently if we don’t, they will keep growing and feels just perfect creepy!
I would move the cistern, save this beautiful tree! Yes I’ve had an enormous tree cut down, a very mature Douglas Fir.
It abutted against the backyard deck and was a hazard in a windstorm. I hated having to cut it down.
Thanks for your input. Sorry to hear you’ve had to experience something very similar. A mature tree feels like a sentinel, a guardian. And then when it can become a danger… it’s truly a loss
If I could afford it, I would move the cistern. Moving a tree is expensive too.
Thanks for your thought. Yes, cost always is a factor, as much as we wish it wasn’t. 😕
More happened today and I’ll post an update.
What they said: Move the cistern? Love that photo of moving the tree in Japan, where the trees are...magical. xo
my apologies, Val, I thought I had responded! Yes, I thought you would like that reference. The Japanese culture has a very special affinity for trees. (quite different than in the States)
I have no advice for you, Jan, but I just wanted to commiserate. Every time I have seen a tree cut down, it has made me feel physically ill.
I see that others are saying, "move the cistern". Maybe that's not possible. Actually, a thought that occurs to me is this: would it be possible to dig around the cistern and put in a large sheet of steel, which the roots couldn't penetrate? That sounds no more expensive than moving the tree or the cistern to me. But I am not adept at these things.
Thank you, Gregory. I appreciate that you understand my pain and the complexity. More happened today and I’ll post an update. At the same time, I’ve also been pondering your last post (before the interview) and want to respond to that as well.
Also, since I have you here, just want to say how much I enjoy your photos. We share the same aesthetic. I forgot your language… what strikes me though is how perception is everything. Beauty, for me, is recognizing the sacred in all things. Without this recognition, things are “normal” or they just “are”, or they’re “profane”. Not as a judgement but rather as the counterpart to sacred. 🔆
Thank you, Jan. I like that. I'm glad that we have an aesthetic sense in common. I have never thought about it as recognizing the sacred in all things, but I see exactly what you mean. And of course that illuminates even better your dilemma about the tree. I hope that the updates are positive.
I think you can look at it another way. Firstly it is an invasive species to the area so I don't think any of the native plant life will shed a tear if it's gone plus who knows what other opportunities will arise in it's place. If the tree has to go, it can still provide a benefit for your garden. Put it through the wood chipper and use the chips as mulch. It's a great way to help the soil retain moisture that would benefit the other plants.
Thanks so much, Kim. Yes, as the contractor told me today, these roots are always going to be a problem. Now lemon trees on the other hand, their roots are manageable…
Another update coming soon 🍋
Ooh, looking forward to your update!
A few years ago in Boise, Idaho, a 100 year old sequoia tree that grew from a seedling sent by John Muir to the first Idaho state forester, was moved several blocks away from its original location.
I’ve enjoyed this tree for decades because of its beauty and historic significance. I’ve even tried to grow seedlings from it myself, unsuccessfully at the time, although I’d be able to do so now because I’ve learned how to start sequoia seedlings.
Here’s a link to the story of the tree’s move:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/watch-movers-transplant-100-foot-tall-giant-sequoia-boise-180963848/
Yes! I remember this! at a cost of $300k. How's the tree doing now?
It’s thriving. Any amount of money is worth less than a tree from John of the Mountains. I’m not much of a Druid, but that tree is sacred.
Losing a lovely tree is so hard. I lost a peach tree last summer to a thunderstorm. They do become like people to us. I'm sorry for your loss!
Thank you Josh.
Yes, maybe that's why I never named these trees. I didn't allow myself to get *that* familiar with them. Some weird attempt to keep my distance. Never works though, does it?
Really sorry to hear about the peach tree. That's a huge blow. Loss of a tree, loss of a friend, and loss of lovely sweet peaches. :/
I feel your pain. Over 35 years, I planted and lost many, many trees at my house in the Poconos.
A row of mature fir trees, which provided my property complete privacy, were removed against my will by the property owners association because of new sewers.
Then, overtime as weather conditions changed, and we suddenly became part of a tornado zone, I had to remove several trees in fear of them falling over on my house!
How expensive is it to move the cistern? Those trees you have are gorgeous!
Turns out you don’t move it you just install a new one. And the contractor estimated 17 grand. In euros. Not including installation. Very grateful for Renee, and Australian, who just confirmed that these trees will always search for water and their roots never give up. 😕
OY! 😳
I understand your pain. Maybe it could be helpful to think of the tree as not just one tree, but one tree is just an expression of the tree family — when one dies, it simply becomes part of the rest of the system. It allows the other trees around it to take more resources. I hope that helps 🥰
Kaila , thank you so much. That DOES help!
I cried as it was happening. Made them stop after the first cut so I could touch her trunk one last time, thank her, and try to explain. As hard as it was, I felt I needed to stay with her the whole time.
Admittedly, now that it’s done, I feel good about the future, about lemon trees we are planning snd so much more. I thought the space would feel empty but instead everything feels lighter. Maybe the other trees are relieved
I totally understand this pain. We had to cut a bunch of trees down on our land before building our house, and I felt awful about it too. Hopefully we can forgive ourselves, but more importantly, hopefully the trees can forgive us too 🥰
The Ficus tree is an exotic that does not belong in Sicily. And you already have several in your garden, it is not unique. Usually a foreign import does not support the local ensects, birds, lizards, just like the eucalyptus in much of Spain and Italy are biological deserts. Even oak trees from the US are not eaten by any insects because the local fauna has not adapted to it.
My advice is, don’t look at the individual tree, look at the whole system. Endeavour to restore a garden that is natural for that environment and will support the insects that are disappearing all over the world, that supports birds and small ceatures etc etc.
Same with the cacti. If from Africa, keep them. If from the Americas, get rid of them. Plant species that belong there and restore Nature, not some fantasie built out of foreign settler fancies.
You will be doing what biologists have been advocating for several decennia, in Africa, in Australia and New Zealand.
In Australia they eradicated all trees and plants that were imported from the British Empire and stimulated planting native trees, palms and bushes. Before that, streets and parks looked like they did in every ex-colony. After years of this policy, Australian public spaces and gardens took on that specific Aussie look.
Don’t grieve about one out of place tree, grieve for the original Sicily that wasn’t respected and was supplanted by trends and fads in gardening, or just free seedlings and cuttings.
See the big picture!
Strength and fortitude to you!
Thank you, Agatha. This helps.
I cried as it was being cut. And now, I’m glad it’s gone. Your words even have me eyeing the ficus close to the well, which I wasn’t ready to do anything about and now…. Yes, our garden will be much better with indigenous citrus trees! 🍋🍊🍋🟩
Your post was very tender and made feel your helplessness. I haven't had to cut down a tree but it would make me sad. I hope you find a good solution soon to avoid losing it.
Thanks. It’s down (I cried) and now I realize how invasive it really was. In fact, I’m ready to cut another in the fall and then have the roots ripped out. Apparently if we don’t, they will keep growing and feels just perfect creepy!
I was sad then I laughed. New trees, new start - you'll feel much better once you put this behind.
Thank you. Yes!! It’s weird though, how the tree has reacted. Like it’s still oozing….
Yes - I read somewhere that they ooze for weeks! Good photo!