Down it comes

We’ve got a noxious weed. So what, you might ask, everyone has problems with weeds right? Well the difference is that our weed is over 8 metres wide and about the same tall. It’s a rubber tree that has been growing on the green belt right next to our back garden fence.  It’s been a problem for us for many reasons. Firstly, it has roots damaging our stone retainer walls. Secondly, our storm water drain is down there and everyone knows how much a rubber tree loves water! Thirdly, we can’t put a boundary fence up because the base of the tree is encroaching on our property. Finally, because it is so big, we struggle to get much grown in the shade of its branches. It’s so big that even the council don’t seem to be maintaining the lawn underneath it. Something had to be done with it before it got bigger and caused any major damage. 

Honestly, I thought it was going to cost us a fortune to have removed…i’m talking thousands. A friend suggested I speak to the council because it is on their property…I hadn’t even realised that was something we could do. What is it they say? Need something done? Give it to a woman to do! So I applied to the council a month or so ago to request it be removed. They have been very quick in responding, coming to check it out and agreeing that it had to go…and obviously at their expense (bonus!).

As I sat here enjoying my mid morning ritual – a toasted blueberry bagel with cream cheese and a decaf skim latte, I heard the faint sound of a truck reversing in the area of the green belt. As it got closer and closer to our property, it was soon apparent that today was the day. Yes folks…what is it they say…TIMBER!!

They started chain sawing down the lower branches and with the help of a bobcat, they put them through a mulcher machine and into a truck. About 40 minutes later, the first truck was full. About 3 hours later, 3 more trucks and 6 men, the tree is gone, goneski, nadda!

In it’s place is now a bonus. We have an amazing view! It even looks like our yard includes the whole green belt behind us.

Our neighbour on one side has applauded me, saying he didn’t think it could be done. The other neighbour on the otherside will now have views from his balcony (i’ll be waiting for the gifts to pour in now that I have increased his property value!!).  The funny thing is that Clint would be so excited to see the tree coming down. Even to hear it has happened would make his day. However, today of all days, he has left his mobile phone at home. So this afternoon when he gets home, i’m not going to say a word, just see how long it takes him to notice it is gone.

Have fun!