Happy Thanksgiving and we did it!

hoping everyone has a great week, celebrating and indulging a bit! I'm thrilled to have lots of time with my core 5 plus extended family. 

I wanted to share that the front garden renovation list has had a big project knocked off!  I can't find a before photo (will I ever learn?) to show the size- let's pretend this Liriodendron tulipifera, tulip tree is in my yard.  About 44' tall. *Google images

Of course, the leaves have fallen -large leaves which actually makes them easier to deal with.  However, the tree  didn't fit in with my cactus & succulent plans for the area. While the flowers were pretty, they were all so high in the sky you couldn't see them. Still, thank you tree.

First plan of attack, Ivan used the extension saw to take off as many bulky branches as possible. After he had taken a few branches off, he reminded me I might want a photo, lol. 

Ivan in action, I couldn't have come close to getting these way up there branches.  We were cleaning up as we went, they were brittle enough to snap the smaller ends with just our hands.  And it smelled wonderful, almost citrus-y.  

Meanwhile, James was anxious to get the problem solved.  Ivan and I were referred to as "Team Worry" discussing all the ways to get this tree down.  However, it was an excellent decision to remove the branches - the destruction when it fell would've been horrible!  James sped off to Home Depot to rent a chain saw, while we were busy cleaning up branches. 

First slice...(chainsaw noise, turn volume down)

Final blow...(Tracy "ooh-ooh"-ing noise, turn volume down)

Well, as luck would have it - the tree fell perfectly.  Claiming only one loss. A smashed Aloe in a saucer pot.

I was planning on revamping the saucers anyway, so it is a loss I can take in stride.  

Just a couple feet away, an established Aloe ferox remains untouched (and sending up buds). Whew!  I was willing to take a few hits to get the tree down, but thrilled I didn't have to. 

What's left.  Ivan will slice the trunk down at the base with the sawzall, the wood is fairly soft. 

But first... we have plans to use this as an anchor for a winch.  To be continued!

Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving (U.S.).  Have a great week :)