Yesterday was a sad day here at Happy Acres. Our tree guys came out and proceeded to cut down the assigned trees – most of them were dead. However, in their zeal to cut down the old apple trees they also cut down our beloved cherry tree. I was not only angry but so sad.
Every Spring I love walking down to this tree, checking on the cherries and harvesting them when they ripened. I’d make a cobbler and put the rest in the freezer.
We planted three cherry trees when we moved in here – one has since died, one is struggling, and one is doing fine, but it will be years before we get much from these trees.
Aside from the fact that a good fruit bearing tree was cut down, the cherry tree is so symbolic for Dave and I.
I’ve written about this before, but for those who are new to my blog, I’ve always loved cherries. We had a cherry tree in our side yard when I was growing up. I loved mom’s cherry pies!
In the past I tried to make it down to the local farmer’s market every summer at the end of May to buy some cherries from one of the vendors. I had to get there early since they were a popular item.
Fast forward many years to meeting Dave. As he was telling me about his property he mentioned that he had cherry trees. “I just LOVE cherries” I exclaimed. “These are not sweet cherries,” he explained thinking that I’d be disappointed. I was so excited. I love the sour cherries even more! I decided then and there that we were a match!
When we bought this house we knew there were apple and peach trees and blueberries, but we didn’t know until a couple months after moving in that we had a cherry tree here. We knew then and there that we had picked the right place to settle down.
So losing this cherry tree – not by old age or disease – is not only heartbreaking for the tree but because of the symbolism. Yes, we’ll plant a couple trees to replace it and this year we’ll head up to the U-Pick to get some for the freezer, but it won’t be the same.
I guess I should be sad for the old elm that they cut down yesterday – the main reason we called the tree guys out. We lost the other elm a couple years ago. We had treated this one in hopes it wouldn’t die too but to no avail. It’s been dead for the last year, losing large limbs – a hazard to walk near. This loss changes our backyard once again. The top of the slope garden is no longer in shade so I’ll be moving the hostas to another area. I hope this is the last time we have to cut down trees.
On the bright side, where they cut down the peach trees, our new trees will have room to grow and spread.
Sweet story! Sounds like cherry trees follow you around! So sorry this happened to your tree.
Hey, on a happier note (not)…my husband has been spraying wheat at work for the last couple of days…turns out Roundup accidentally got in the spray and now they will lose all the wheat. ;=( This is the first time he planted wheat….so hard to believe.
Oh Kathy, That’s terrible about losing all of that wheat!
Lynda recently posted..Ode to our dear cherry tree
Oh…that is SO sad! I am sorry for your loss. Thank goodness you have the happy 2010 picture to remember your belevod cherry tree! Oh–and now when people tell the story about George Washington’s cherry tree, you have one of your own to tell.
How sad to hear about your dear cherry tree, I too am a cherry lover and the farm I grew up on in Ontario Canada had cherry trees. They were the sour baking cherry type so needless to say that’s my favorite pie. Thanks goodness for the U-Pick, at least you will still have cherries to enjoy and freeze.
Ellen, Thanks for your comment. The sour cherries have always been my favorite. They even served them in the cafeteria in high school for fruit. Lynda
Peggy, Thanks.
There might be some who would say, “so, it’s just a tree.” Not so. Trees are symbolic in many ways. Your story proves it. As a child, we had an apricot tree in the back yard. I “loved” that tree. The blossoms in the Spring provided an amazing aroma, the branches were perfect for climbing. (I was a kid) I spent hours in that tree. Not to mention the bounty of fruit in Summer. We lost it in a storm.
I understand your sadness and am sorry.
Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear this. My boyfriend had a very large cherry tree that was blown over in a storm. He had it cut up and saved for someday when he would have time to work with it. He is retired now and made some picture frames and now he is making kitchen utensils and bureau trinket boxes. It’s a beautiful wood! http://www.etsy.com/shop/rjmwoodworks to see some of his creations.
Diane recently posted..The End of February 2013
Lynda,
I am saddened for you and your husband. Many people will not understand how an “object” can be so loved. But as you said, these things become part of us, just as a pet, or a dream dies, so does a part of us. Hugs and blessings to you both.
Dolly recently posted..M&T for Easter
Dolly, Thanks.
That is so sad!! I am sorry that happened.
Oh no, Lynda, I’m so sorry 🙁 I know how much you love your cherries! I hope your new cherry trees will grow quickly but it’s still so sad for the lovely tree!
Kristina recently posted..waiting for spring
What a sad, sweet post. It is amazing how trees and plants can almost become part of our family. Beautiful photos, too!
Rinda
Rinda recently posted..Look Up//Look Down #14: Middle Gate