Saturday, July 16, 2011

Not So Bad

It was like a ray of sunshine appeared



After the massive black locust limb that crashed to the ground was all cut up, cleaned up and all that was left was a half section of trunk split down the middle length wise and left as a planter box.



That huge limb managed to fall right through the middle of the rhododendrons and only took out two branches. By all reasoning they should have been crushed to a pulp.



The chain saw was in a fine mood and actually sharp. I was not expecting to be able to do the entire cleanup myself with such a light weight chain saw. But I did. A nice stack of firewood is ready for the brothers to split when they come to visit.



It was really quite amazing. The huge trunks fell mostly in the path and missed most of the hosta and astilbe. The 30 foot limb went right through the bed of rhododendrons and missed them all. And the ancient black locust tree is still there. The best part was the big main trunks were rotten inside. Otherwise that chain saw never would have gotten through such hard as steel wood and the job would only be half done.

And we got some firewood and a new planter log in the bargain.



But it wore me out. I dug the taters from the roadside vegetable garden and slowed to a snail's pace as the day wound down.



Tomorrow I may do nothing. Fat chance. Let's just say I will sleep late, start slow and putter slowly throughout the day.



I now have empty rows in the roadside vegetable garden where the taters used to be. I'm thinking lettuce, carrots and parsnips.

5 comments:

Lola said...

How fortunate that the limb missed all that beauty. That log will make a great planter. The wood will keep someone warm this winter.
Did you get a lot of taters? Sounds like you will have some Fall goodies.
Very wet here. Need to gather Shallots, onions & garlic. Doubt they will get any bigger. Will see. Okra is starting to come in a few pods at a time. Sweet taters maybe later. Time here to get soil ready for Fall plantings.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

That is one huge locust. I can imagine how heavy the limb was. We have a young locust and I have used limbs in my garden for various things. They are HEAVY. I hope you aren't too sore today. You deserve a day off. Take it easy and enjoy your surrounds that are so pretty. I can't wait to see what you do with the planter log.

Siria said...

Hi Christopher! Your Mom is lucky to have you. That was one big tree! Your friends will be thankful for your generosity as they keep warm this winter. Your sunflowers are gorgeous ~I'm jealous!

Cathy and Steve said...

WOW, Christopher, that was one lucky break (pun intended LOL). I'm so relieved for you that nothing got seriously damaged. Given that the tree was clearly diseased, it was probably a blessing in disguise and a happy ending!

Anonymous said...

just glad no one was in the vicinity when that thing came down! I too live on a wooded lot and it's kind of like playing Russian roulette. And someone upstairs was smiling on you to miss the rhodies. I lost half my one yak rhodo 2 years ago to a limb, but the other half seems happy - for now.....

enjoy a day of puttering!

bev