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idyllic little corner of the world

 Fifteen months later. 

Pruning is a painful process. Trees have no way to heal. They merely compartmentalize and callous. It is our job as caretakers to make sure the cuts are clean and beneficial. 

Beneficial to the tree? Usually. Trees being pruned are normally found in the landscape around people or places where natural growth patterns are modified. A row of apple trees or a singular ornamental Japanese maple grow only where invited and cultivated. Trees often develop different characteristics when grown alone. The shared root system of trees in the forest is an interstate highway system. Species share nutrients amongst themselves and other species. A tree alone has a far smaller effective root system than a tree in the forest.

Trees in the forest have each other to shelter from the elements. External stress like excessive sun or wind have less effect on trees surrounded by their family. Likewise with man. I am much stronger when I'm with my family, I can't live without them. The stresses of life are simply too much for me to stand alone. 

When trees stand alone like they often do in landscaped beds, they need special care and attention and even though often take on different growth characteristics than their healthier counterparts with a better support system. Humans love and heal, trees share and compartmentalize. I lived a long time as a tree until I found my family and purpose.

I'm an Arborist now. I've also got some other assorted certifications and numbers on paper. Below are some excerpts from my work notes for this week:

Some of the new lawn was a little sensitive, we all can be at times, so with understanding and care I retraced some of my steps with the tenderness of the sod roller.

Homeowner's disappointment in me was immediate and immeasurable but I assured her I was a gentle gentile and I do this all the time.

Finding friends in unexpected places is one of life's simple pleasures. Ramon! What great fortune to meet here at this auspicious time.

Homeowner speaks of infestations. The first, and most obvious, are the raccoons. I can feel their eyes on me, watching from the corners of the forest and my imagination. The second infestation, of moles or voles. Their tiny eyes in the darkness beneath the turf constantly searching for food and safety. These subterranean survivors are easiest to identify when you know that the nose knows.

What exciting growth I've discovered. Imagine being a new blade of grass recently emerged from the earthen haven you'd made home during germination. How completely grateful you must feel upon seeing all your brothers and sisters when you wake up in this idyllic little corner of the world.

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