Two More Pines Down

 Last Friday (05/24/19) we took down two more dead (or dying) pines and cut up the one that has been lying in the meadow for some months (here). Bob had the day off - and a long Memorial Day weekend - so he stopped by and we began the project.

 Bob's saw was giving him some trouble. It would start but not keep running. He also decided to tighten a loose chain.

 Tom's saw is a small electric and won't handle larger cuts. Plus we have to string long extension cords to the spot. But it's cut many a log and saved us countless hours of work. Bob's saw is gas-powered and, with a sharp chain, seems ready to take on about anything.

 Two pines out by Clayton Road were taken down this time. We should have taken down a third (directly behind Bob) but it's a large Austrian Pine and fairly close to the power lines. We were a little apprehensive about ensuring which way it would fall. I opted to let it go ... for now. Tom feels it should have been cut so we can plant a White Pine he bought for this open space.

 It didn't take long to get this tall, thin tree down. I planted this row about 1987. I remember watering the seedlings by carrying a bucket around and watering them with a coffee can. Is 32 years all we can expect from Scotch Pines? Or has climate change hastened their demise? I think also they are not indigenous to this area (we grow hardwood forests hereabouts) and their life here is marginal at best.

 Time for a break and a bottle of water.

 The pile of logs presents a vivid "before:after" view. Older logs are dark  and  weathered (though Tom culled and saved the best). The new logs will need to be split before use but at least they are now out of the way.