Yard
A Somewhat Sad Moment
If you've been around 173 for any amount of time at all, you're probably more than aware of the fact that we love bushes, flowers, trees and just about anything green. However, as is the case with actual farmers and garden designers, sometimes you want or need a change which can force you to do something you would otherwise feel like the unthinkable. That is...cut down a tree. In our time here at 173, we've had the unfortunate task of cutting down four trees. Well, it's happened again, sadly this time it was our Alberta Spruce. Let's get into it...
A Bit About The Dwarf Alberta Spruce
The Dwarf Alberta Spruce dwarf is a cultivar of white spruce, originating in Alberta, Canada, and was first discovered in the early 1900s. This slow-growing evergreen is widely cultivated for its dense, conical shape and its suitability for ornamental gardening. Its naturally compact growth habit makes it an ideal choice for formal gardens, foundation plantings, and container use. Mature plants typically reach a height of 6-8 feet, though their growth rate is very slow (2-4 inches per year). Some may take decades to reach full size.
But, Before We Get There...It's Not Our First Time
Within just a couple years of coming to 173, I had replaced a flag pole the Moshers had used as aclotheline pole and planted a maple tree. Bad idea! I had not really thought that out, and it eventually dawned on me that a maple tree grows huge and would eventually take over the whole back yard. So when it was time to build the shed - out came the tree.Another hatchet job came to our Granny Smith apple tree. It was planted at the same time as our Macintosh tree, but we didn't plant it in a very great spot, and when part of the tree split... the decision was made and, down it came.
Then came the white birches. Sometime around 2005-ish. a little ranch style house in the neighborhood had a clump of birch trees in their front yard. I loved the look, so off to Hewitt's I went, about an hour later 173 had a birch tree with three main limbs. But in 2013, we learned how invasive these birches were, down they came!
In case you want to know what spooked is so badly, I'll let SF Gate explain...
To double in area every year and build the underground web to support rapid top growth, roots have to grow fast. Substantial white birch roots fill the area around the tree and probe cracks in barriers, including concrete. The tree’s aggressive roots seek water, prying open cracks or joints in sewer or irrigation systems. Birch roots, along with willow and poplar, are among the most aggressive -- and destructive -- tree roots. - SF GATE
Where It Started
In the very earliest days of us being here at 173, there was nothing at the bottom of the steps on the back stoop. At some point we decided that we should put some flowers in that spot and ended up with shasta daisies. Now, if you know shasta daisies at all, you know they smell horrible! They drew a lot of flies and even a light breeze would drive the smell of the daisies into the kitchen windows. The were beautiful to look at but stunk to the high heavens.
I think we stuck with the daisies for a couple years and suffered through the smell because they were so beautiful. But eventually we'd had enough of that smell, and because I've always been a fan of having some evergreens in the yard (you know... color in winter) we started looking for the right candidate.
I think we gravitated to the Alberta spruce because a friend of ours had one in her front yard and we saw it at Christmas and loved it. In this nectar picture you can see that at the time it was taken there was more snow than Alberta spruce. Oh, you should also take note that there was also a dog named Bruegger. Miss that ol' fella.
A Beautiful Tree
And of course, the Alberta spruce slowly grew over the years and turned out to be a beautiful addition to the backyard.
And it didn't matter what the season, it was a beautiful contributor to any vignette. These views were enhanced by the little spruce Christmas tree in our backyard.
Here's a shot showing what it looked like when it was full grown. And I think this picture was from this past summer.
When you drive the axe into the tree when you need firewood, you are not cutting down a person; you are cutting down a tree. But while we should not romanticize the tree, we must realize God made it and it deserves respect because He made it as a tree. - Francis Schaeffer
Why It Had To Go
As much as we loved the ol' spruce, over the last couple years it was becoming clear that it was time for a change. First, it was old ebony that it was growing a bit too big for the space it was in.
And the tree was really starting to encroach on the back stoop steps, which really came to light last spring when we were re-doing the stoop floor.
Taking It Down
Taking the tree down was simplicity itself. I started out with my chainsaw on a stick, but quickly figured out that just using some loppers was the best option.
And in no time we were down to just the trunk...
And finally, about 10 minutes with the reciprocating saw...
...and it was like there was never an Alberta spruce in the yard. It looks kinda empty! And hey... there's Charlie!

We have some thoughts about what'll go in there next, but that's a couple months away. Hey, thanks for stopping by - see ya' next time!
