Timber! Felling a large Bald Cypress in a city neighborhood

[Mousetoescamper]

The bald cypress (taxodium distichum) is a deciduous conifer that sheds its needlelike leaves in the fall. This bald cypress was in the backyard of a house across the street from my home. I could see the tree from my front skylight as well as from my back deck (where I took the photos) and have been watching its seasonal changes for several years. The tree seemed healthy and was alive when felled today. I don't know why it was taken down; perhaps the owner feared that a severe storm, like those we've been getting for the past few years, might cause the tree to break or topple.

Felling a tall tree in this neighborhood was no easy task. The tree was first pruned of its branches from the ground up to the crown. After the crown was removed, the trunk was taken down in several sections.

[Deuxcents]

1. I hate seeing big trees come down..I can understand but still..

After Ian visited us some 17-18 months ago, my community lost a couple of fine, very large trees and one of them was just across the street from me. It was old and needed to go but when I look out my window, I miss seeing it in all its beauty. Thankfully, it was the only one I had a view of and the others survived in the park- like area..one of the reasons I bought my house. The people taking down the tree in the photos seemed to have taken good care of doing it right.

[Mousetoescamper]

4. I'll miss seeing the tree rising above the roofs across the street. It was especially beautiful in the evening sunlight.

Not the best photo, but this is the bald cypress in a shot taken last September.

[Deuxcents]

7. Yes..I can see how you will miss that view.

[Diamond_Dog]

2. Those professional arborists really know their stuff.

About a month ago, the guy who moved in next door to us had five big trees cut down. It was fascinating to watch them work in a small space and with impediments like electrical wires, structures, etc. they sure do earn their pay.

[Mousetoescamper]

5. The work doesn't come cheap. A tree this size could cost up to $3,000 to remove.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. Wow, that's tough work, my dear Mousetoescamper! You caught the action very well.

[Mousetoescamper]

6. Thanks!

[ShazzieB]

8. I learned a lot from these photos!

I've never had the opportunity to watch a large tree being removed and did not know much about the process. I now have a much better idea of the steps involved, especially as the photos document the whole thing so thoroughly. Nice work!

[Mousetoescamper]

9. It was fascinating to watch. Thanks!

[jfz9580m]

10. That is sad..

:-/