A wise person once told me that the best time to plant a tree is...20 years ago.
They're absolutely right. Most of us end up replacing a dead tree after it comes down, and it takes about 20 years to enjoy the benefit of shade from a new one, right?
So, Lisa and I applied that little gem of knowledge this spring, and planted a tree in our front yard that will eventually replace a nearby diseased and rotting maple sitting on city property. We opted for an Autumn Fantasy maple...the kind that turns bright red in the fall. We also applied the "go big or go home" theory, choosing a large 14-foot tree to get a good start. (hmmm, if you refer to the blog entry "O Tanenbaum" from back in early December, you'll notice a recurring theme here regarding tree size). The salesman also assured us that it was a fast-growing species (double thumbs up!).
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, we were having a fireside chat with Camping Buddy Mike, who also owns Salix Nurseries in Port Perry. With great pride, we told him about our new tree...how tall it was...how the leaves would turn this amazing bright red in the fall…and how it would be the envy of the neighbourhood.
Mike's reply? "Get it out of there"! (Huh? Are you kidding me?)
No. Mike was totally serious. It turns out that Autumn Fantasy is just a pretty name for Acer Rubrum...or Swamp Maple. These things thrive in wet conditions (like Weeping Willows)....and they grow so quickly because of their aggressive root system. So, in a city setting, the roots head straight for drainage pipes and weeping tiles...eventually working their way into foundations.
Oh-oh. A $150 tree that's capable of $30,000 worth of damage. Mike's right. It's gotta go.
So....what to do with our beloved "Autumn (Nightmare) Fantasy"?
-We could chop it up and take it camping with us...making it the most expensive bag of kindling we've ever bought.
-I'm pretty handy....and we do need a set of new chairs (although, I'm pretty sure I'd only get enough lumber out of it to make dollhouse furniture).
- It's natural shape would make it a perfect drying rack for hockey equipment.
Or...it could end up on your property...for free! We will gladly give this tree to any other fellow "tree hugger" who is willing to take it home...plant it at least 75 feet away from a foundation or septic system... love it...nurture it....and call it their own.
Bring your shovel and a truck. I'll do some digging too....and even throw in a refreshment.