I'm All Over The Map

Since we moved into our home, we’ve enjoyed the shade and wildlife habitat provided by a lovely, large, silver maple in our front yard.  But in the last two years we’d noticed that the “knotty” midsection of the tree was getting more pronounced and the tree seemed have become a sanctuary for pestilential ants.

With the drought that ensnared Texas for most of the summer, it became obvious that our favorite tree was  stressed, but we had every confidence that it would make it through the heat and continue to grace us with its presence for years to come.

Alas, that was not to be.  Despite $200+ water bills, scaling of diseased bark and our best wishes, about a month ago all but one of the major limbs leaves withered, dried and we knew our old friend was likely beyond saving.

Not that we didn’t hope.  But the arborists we consulted were certain we were simply the latest in a long list of drought casualties that were littered throughout the area.

So it was, with a heavy heart, and the help of my son and Mark Hagood (plantman extraordinaire), yesterday was spent … well, you can see for yourself below.

Hail and farewell old friend. You will be missed.