The extended tree family

The sound of chainsaws trimming down trees on my street played through all of autumn last year. It seemed like an unnecessary, accelerated tree management programme, likely because the labour didn’t have much else to do during COVID-19. Nearby streets had the same scenes. They did leave my tree alone because it had been through that experience only a year prior. Much to my delight, the one next to it was also spared. That meant my summer of 2021 could look green enough.

However, these tree surgeons with their shredders and chainsaws were back last week. It looked like all remaining trees were their target. It was an utterly stupid exercise because now is the time the branches are filled with new buds and shoots. I watched them chop one tree after another until they started the one next to mine. Dramatically enough, my heart was pounding and my brain was going to explode. The non-confrontational part of that brain had me sat in my chair and abuse endlessly. Then it started framing arguments against this action. To my own surprise, I charged downstairs to seek a copy of the formal authorisation for it. Of course, I was a nice and polite person when I opened my mouth. I rationally asked them their plan about the bird’s nest at the top. They asked me if I’d seen any birds around it. I hadn’t noticed but I obviously said I did. They then assured me they wouldn’t touch that part of the tree. But I think I scared them enough to leave it entirely alone. I also made sure to ask their plans about my tree (ie, the one in front of my building. I don’t technically own it). And if I may say so myself, I was a total boss and practically told them not to touch it because it was trimmed recently and has only just started growing back again. They were in agreement. We then did the British thing of politely wishing each other a nice day.

My heart was still racing when I walked up to my door. It felt nothing less than a boardroom drama. But I was SO PROUD OF MYSELF! They left immediately. I worried they might return the next day, but they didn’t. The nest’s owner sure did. I see her still working on it. I am glad to have served both our selfish interests and am looking forward to some green leaves in a few weeks.

Happy days of summer are almost here.