The tree

You can see that tree from outer space. Well, almost. It’s quite prominent in satellite images, which means outer space, right? At any rate, it’s difficult to miss. Although we love this tree that towers over our house as a majestic symbol of Vermont green mountain-ness, we’ve learned it is a source of controversy because…

1. That type of tree is known to have issues with rotting from the inside out,
2. There’s evidence of prior damage caused by falling limbs,
3. The tree is too close to the house and it appears roots could be the cause of some foundation issues,
4. It is not uncommon in this area for storms to materialize packing hurricane-force winds, and
5. There’s not much logic in taking on expensive renovations while running the risk of substantial damage from that tree falling and squashing it all flat.

There’s no shortage of trees up here. What is now 80 percent forest was once only 20 percent trees which gave way to meadows, grazelands, and gardens. As city mice growing up in Texas, we learned trees were rarely cut down. Whether oak or pine, their shade was revered. The presence of mature trees increases the value of property.

But up here, trees are part of life, of living; think “maple syrup.” People routinely cut down trees for household firewood, to push back a tree line, or for logging operations. Some locals give us the impression trees are pests.

I wouldn’t sleep upstairs in a storm.

When we asked whether or not to keep the tree, our retired contractor neighbor glanced at the towering behemoth over his shoulder and delivered the perfect Vermont answer, “I wouldn’t sleep upstairs in a storm.”

It’s more than 100 years old. Whether or not to cut down that tree weighs upon us. We add it to a growing list of upcoming decisions.