Right Tree, Right Place

As the weather begins to change, I find myself heading outside to garden less and less. This doesn’t mean I don’t have plenty to do to winterize my yard, it simply means the feelings to hibernate are growing stronger.  Not going outside, nothing to blog about!  PG &E has solved my problem.  First, need to backtrack a bit.  Behind my home is a dead space that allows PG & E access to power lines, which are about 25-30 ft. from my back fence.  About 10 years ago, I planted a very small, Fantasy Maple Tree (Acer freemanii ‘Autumn Fantasy’ Maple).   Needless to say, as I look out my kitchen window, I see a gorgeous Maple, about 25 feet tall, with the most impressive show of reddish-purple fall colors.  (This variety of maple produces no male flowers so no messy spring clean-up.)  I’ve been told I must either cut the tree in half or remove it from my yard.  Neither option makes me happy.  After much deliberation, I have decided to remove the tree.  I’m thinking if it’s not removed, the tree will grow back and I’ll be constantly pruning my Maple.  The lesson learned is I should have looked into guidelines for planting near power lines before I chose the Fantasy Maple.  On the positive side, PG& E is not only helpful with tree removal but also provides a Guide to Small Trees near power lines for Northern California, a “Right Tree Right Place” publication.   This publication offers suggestions for landscaping with small trees, planting guides, tree selection, and tree care.  Needless to say, I have a feeling another Autumn Fantasy will be showing up elsewhere in my yard!

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