A while back I wrote about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and I’m guessing I could also call this post “A Tree Dies in SoCal”
Usually the loss of a tree I’ve lived with and loved for years feels like how I imagine a phantom limb might feel- a certain emptiness, a vacant unfillable void–like mourning the loss of a loved one, but this was different.
It actually feels lighter; freer–all in all a good decision that I had procrastinated about for years because I hate to destroy any living creature or growing thing.
The first cut is the deepest–I know those are song lyrics, but there’s a point you can’t go back, when the decision to cut down a tree is beyond the point of changing your mind. Too late to say WAIT, let me rethink things! You can always plant a new tree, right? Replace the old tree with a new one, right?
This was a ficus. I know ficus trees have invasive roots, I know they are much better as potted plants, but I seriously had thought this one was situated far enough away from the house so that it wouldn’t become a problem.
Then I looked under the deck and saw roots, which meant that it would only be a matter of time before there could be real damage to either the foundation or the plumbing.
It’s gone now, and I really don’t miss it at all. I’m thinking about what to plant as the empty space looks a little barren.
Maybe a fruit tree or two? Something that’s a bit more giving than the ficus which was definitely NOT an example of Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree–more like the TAKING tree, sucking all the life out of the plants around it and leaving a mess to clean up.
I feel as if I most deserving of some reciprocal quid pro quo in return for all my love and nurturing and caretaking.
Enchanted Seashells by Princess Rosebud 
As our elderly aspen trees have died, we have replaced them with fruit trees. Since we must water all of our trees if they are going to live, they give back with fruit (weather permitting) which the birds and squirrels love. Sometimes, we get to share, too!
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I so agree! Providing for our own food is important and water is a precious resource here. I asked my son to choose what should go there and he said pomegranate and cherimoya and that sounds great to me. There’s room for one more, so it’ll probably be an orange tree.
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We had pomegranate trees when I was young and living in an even more desert-area. They didn’t grow too big, more like a big bush, but then nothing grew very large there. Here in Colorado, we planted cherry, apricot, apple, and peach trees that thrive in this area. Three of the trees are new and a late snow killed all the blossoms. Fingers crossed for next year! There were a few cherries this year, though, and the squirrels and birds got their fill. We don’t mind. They need all the help they can get!
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Oh, you have the fruits I love but can’t seem to grow well here, my prob I’m sure. In PNW my son has all those fruits cos there’s rain; here I have to irrigate so much. I do have some apple trees that are good and a grapefruit. Jealous of your cherries! Again, pomegranate for my son and grandson who LOVE them. They do well here.
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I’d love a grapefruit tree; we each get some of the good fruits.
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I looked up cherimoya on the internet, as I’ve never heard of them. They look deceptive – warty on the outside and white on the inside. What do they taste like?
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My son loves them; they taste kind of like banana-ish but it’s sort of ice creamy texture. I would be planting it for him and the kids.
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Huh! If I ever seen any sold here in Colorado, I’ll give them a try!
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Dear Princess Rosebud and KDKH,
Perhaps a citrus tree or two could be the answer. 🍊 🍋
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It’s too cold here (and a very short growing season) for me to grow citrus outside of a greenhouse. 😞 Princess Rosebud has the right weather, but does she have a taste for citrus?
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I have Valencia oranges, a grapefruit, a lemon, and a lime. I do love citrus but they seem to be hard for me to grow even in this climate! Must be me, all my neighbors’ trees look amazing.
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I guess you can’t blame the cold and snow like I do. Maybe your plant peeps are a different type!
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I think I don’t have a very green thumb, but I keep trying.
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I’m best with succulents; they can thrive despite the neglect they inevitably receive.
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I agree!
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Dear KDKH,
That is an intriguing question. Only the Princess can reveal the answer. 🍊 🍋
Another alternative could be some colourful maple trees or even a ginko tree.
Happy December to both of you!
In addition, thank you for visiting and liking my post at https://soundeagle.wordpress.com/2020/11/11/strong-wind-knows-tough-grass/
You are certainly very welcome to indulge SoundEagle with your thoughts and insights at the comment section of the post.
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We do have a thriving maple tree!
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Dear KDKH,
Maples come in a huge variety of forms, sizes and colours. Therefore, you will be spoilt by choice should you decide for another one or two. Otherwise, a conifer might also be a contender, and it too can come in great varieties, even those with coloured or variegated foliage. Conifers are cold-tolerant.
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There are many conifers in this part of the world, many different varieties.
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