The cost of doing business. When we nearly lose something we love.

The top leaves turn deep crimson while the lower, sheltered leaves are green.

In owning property and maintaining it, there are always maintenance issues. There are inevitable pitfalls and catastrophes throughout any given year. The death of a plant or tree, storm damage, critter damage, we've all been through it. When we have a named storm or even just a summer storm front sweeping through, we cringe and take it as part of life when we lose something.

That being said, we had a nice semi-heavy rain the other day, no wind to speak of, and the rain was not torrential, but steadily heavy. We really didn't pay it any attention. It happens that way many times during the year. So I was disheartened when I saw the aftermath of this seemingly innocuous weather event the other day.

The day after was drizzly and overcast, which reminded my wife of typical London weather. We didn't do anything in the yard because of this. I got home from work, and went to the shed to get something. On my way back to the house, something caught my eye that just didn't set right. I looked to the left and noticed a very large branch down. Right where our very first Japanese maple was now residing. Sigh. Really?

Clive Owen was right..."Look at what they make you give"

This very large, very heavy branch had fallen directly on top of our well established JM. I believe it is a Crimson Queen, but I'm not entirely sure. Back when we purchased it 8 years ago, we didn't think to keep the tags or to make notes, although my wonderful wife has a memory like an elephant, I'm just not sure. The top leaves turn deep crimson while the lower, sheltered leaves are green. This branch had fallen long-wise, directly on top of this 6' diameter mounding beauty and broken off nearly every branch.

So what do we do now? After much discussion, we will be moving what is left to a new home. I will then proceed in cutting down the remaining offending tree. It has been problematic since we moved in, having lost many branches and harboring many dead branches. The funny thing is, we don't even know what kind of tree it is. It was there naturally when this property was developed. It does not bloom, there are no known means of natural propagation. It is, however, home to Downy Woodpeckers and Bluebirds as of this year. I'm pretty sure they are all done with their families, so that shouldn't be a problem.

We are going to cut it down, leaving about 2 feet of stump with a level top, so we can put a planter with some cascading effects and plant two Deodar Cedars near this to not only block some unsightly views from the neighbors, but to satisfy my wife's Jones for these majestic trees.

As for the JM, I will continue to feed and nurture it in its new home and hope that it back buds and produces some new leaders. I might have to try my hand at grafting if that doesn't work. This started out as a small $20 specimen from a big box store. We planted it in the middle of the yard and moved it to its current location a year or so later. It has been happy where it is and has made us happy ever since. Now it's time for some TLC.