The Rotten Cottonwood Across the Street. in Misc. Thoughts opinions, the whole trash can.

The “Moose” and I took a walk late today. About 1015 am. School is in session. We walked totally off leash for about 90% of the walk. When we left the Cottonwood was there, and nothing happening.

Forty-Five minutes later, the sound of the Chainsaw, and it is coming down. A sad day, but a happy one as well. Sad because it “had” to be cut down. Happy, because it won’t fall over and cause damage. Over the last few years, high winds, snows, and rains, this would , cause snapping and branches falling off. I talked with the neighbor, and said, “You need to watch close, so this doesn’t cause you major problems”. ” Yes, I don’t know what to do, if I cut it down”. I understand that. Over this season, Spring, Summer, and now the first day of Fall, this old warrior is and has been dying. Most of it was dead, and very few leaves, were appearing. As this is being stripped down, I see a cut supporting branch, and there is “rot”.

I had to cut one down, about 6 years ago. It was cut back previous to us moving in. This was to keep branch damage to the house. It, too. was rotting and becoming the “Leaning Tower of Tree-za”. Probably the best move I made.

Cottonwoods are like weeds, so to speak. They love water, they grow fast, and then can’t support their overall structure. The Highline Canal, has trimmed, dead and fallen Cottonwoods. I related in the railroad blog, about hitting one at night, that fell over around MP 98, on the Rio Grande side near Fountain, CO. What you hit with trains. Besides crossing accidents. Part 3

A few pictures:

Being broken down

The rubble, more work to be done

Look close on the severed branch, you can see rot coming into play.

Least this wont fall onto their home now.