I realize that life is cyclical and that applies to trees, but I just hate it when a tree dies and has to be cut down. Since I moved in way back in 1988, I have lost the grand pecan that threw afternoon shade on the entire back of the house. I have lost two out of three dogwoods to a disease that's stealing our state tree. The tall cedar that graced the corner of my lot is gone too since the city said it impeded a safe view at the intersection and they cut it down.
So many trees on such a small lot. And this past Saturday, my gorgeous flowering cherry tree was taken down too. During the drought we had here between 2007 and 2008, the cherry tree became stressed and the dying process began. Each spring, fewer and fewer branches put out those huge, beautiful pink blossoms.
This year there was nothing. I finally gave in, accepted that it was gone, and cut it down on Saturday. Here are the before photos...