Do something hard everyday. After the heavy machinery took down the Alders, a rotting Silver Cherry tree became visible. Silver was leaning toward the tiny house at about 35 degrees with roots visibly heaving on the high side. For several days I would stand at the bottom of Silver looking up, asking for guidance and permission, giving thanks for its life and presence here, hugging its girth. A week would pass before the 20 foot extension ladder was propped up the trunk. I was sad and uncomfortable and, I had woefully underestimated the height.
I revel in doing stuff. Any stuff. Especially uncomfortable stuff. That same morning armed with a hammer drill, 2x4 steps, screws, ropes, the extension ladder, the silky hand saw, a fueled and oiled chainsaw, gloves, and a sprinkling of discomfort, I approached Silver. It was so tall. The extension ladder ended at 20 feet, so 2 x 4 steps were screwed into the trunk to reach the crotch. About a foot below the crotch was a very handy limb for resting and distributing weight. The limb would also serve as a pulley for the chainsaw. Above I am in the process of wrapping one of the ropes for the chainsaw around the limb.
The branches needed trimmed off prior to cutting the trunk, allowing the cut sections to fall unimpeded straight to the ground. Here I'm screwing 2x4 steps on the left trunk up past the Y in order to cut those limbs and branches as well as some on the right trunk. This picture makes the task look so easy, but I was holding on for dear life.
Talking to Silver, breathing in the pine needles, facing the sun and drinking its rays, these were my chores. Silver's right side proved more forgiving than the left, allowing one cut about ten feet up from the Y. The left side required a further fifteen foot climb up the trunk to cut the limbs and branches away before felling that side. Five breaths in and five breaths out. Five breaths in and five breaths out. Sun. Hug the sun. After the limb trimming, while hugging the right trunk like a Koala, I felled the left trunk, dropped the chainsaw (which was threaded with rope through the crotch) and squeezed tight while the Silver swayed baaack and fooorrrrth from freed weight.
With the limbs cut away and the right side readied for felling, I cut the helper limber leaving just enough for the chainsaw rope pulley and to remain steady on my way down. This is the last picture Howard took because he just couldn't watch anymore. I dropped to the helper limb and felled the left side, then dropped to a 2 x 4 step and felled the Y section, moved halfway down and felled that section, then to the bottom and felled the remainder. Silver was about 90 feet tall.
The next day was spent and clearing, cutting, and cleaning up the tree, and thanking each piece for its contribution to the earth, beings, and the general wellness of a life well spent.
Namaste dear Silver,
Karen.
