This week we had to have one of our trees cut down. It was a rather large maple that became infected with Verticillium Wilt and experienced a very rapid decline over the summer. We’ve been in varying degrees of drought in Michigan all summer and it is persisting to this day into Autumn. While not as severe as what is going on out West, it is not without impacts – which we’ve now experienced firsthand. Given the fungal disease ends up plugging a tree’s vascular system for water uptake, it greatly exasperated the severity of the drought on this particular tree.

We take a lot of pride in the fact that our property is more “forested” now than it has been in at least 100 years – at least as much as a part of suburbia can be called “forested.” In fact, we were nicknamed “the forest people” by a young kid a few doors down, which is a little sad, humorous, entertaining and truthful all at once.

To his credit, when viewed from the mostly treeless area a few doors down, our yard is rather dark and dense because of the heavy canopy. I even surprised myself when one day I was looking at our property from the neighboring “low tree count” yards and thought – wow, that’s dark over there. So, it is a nickname we wear as a badge of honor. As such, each tree has become part of our own little community.

This particular tree was a Crimson Maple, a cultivar of the Norway Maple (Acer platanoides). We didn’t plant it, it was here when we moved in. Technically it is considered an invasive tree because of its prolific seeds and very dense foilage that tends to drown out anything from growing under it. I take exception to that characterization because poison ivy was growing there recently! Still, a tree with a DBH of 20 inches is not something you just cut down because of the scarlet letter it wears.

Many arborists I consulted for advice on what was going on with this tree advised not to fret about losing it, it’s better to plant something native and not susceptible to wilt in its place. I understand that, but it was not completely without value. It really wasn’t invading anywhere and did fill a significant portion of our eastern canopy. A spot where a lot of light coming in feels quite strange now. It turns out Forest People are quite sensitive to light! But I take the greater point of encouraging native trees and fighting back against the likes of big box nurseries that continue to legally sell them.

The tree has a bit more of a personal connection than just being part of our community in that my Leaf Creatures project originated from the unique curling leaves from this species. Sadly it didn’t make it to partake in Season 2. Its sibling of equal size holds an uncertain future, but so far … knock wood … is not showing any signs of infection.

As such, I felt some need to honor it, but wasn’t quite sure how other than with a photograph of its story, and its rings. Those familiar with this ailment will note the characteristic staining of the heartwood. The rings and size reveal a bit of its life. A combination of factors led to its tipping point despite all of our efforts to save it. And I have a feeling tipping points are something we better get used to hearing on a much larger scale. It’s too bad such stories may only be revealed after it is all cut down.