Down Comes the Big Pine

Since we bought the Hawksbill Cabin in September 2007, we've enjoyed the big pine tree that dominates the hill in the front yard.  The neighborhood is known as Hawksbill Pines, after all, and this just might be the eponymous tree...although I doubt it.  It's really a marvel.  But unfortunately, it's going to have to come down this year.

After the snows this winter, we've noticed there is a pronounced lean in the main trunk.  While it's subtle enough that you might not notice it as a casual visitor, I can definitely see it, and I am growing a little more concerned each time I take a look at it.

For the last two springs, a family of hawks (I've had trouble identifying the species - either Coopers or Sharp-shinned hawks, and at the moment I'm going with Coopers) have nested here, raising four hatchlings each year.  They didn't nest here this year, but moved to the woods in the back of the house.  I haven't found the tree, but hear the "near the nest" call and see the male flying over from time to time.   Their voluntary relocation opened up some options.  (Click on the "Hawks" tag on this post for more on their nesting activities.)

There will be a big relief associated with the event.  This tree drops needles and those little cones into the pool all summer long.  I had no idea how much litter a pine tree continuously throughs off, and that's especially true of this one.

We are taking down two of its downhill neighbors, which have always looked a little sickly, and one more up the hill closer to the house and pool.  It's just time for these to go, and unfortunately for the big one, with the lean, we can't afford the risks of it falling at anytime, especially later in the summer during the heavy rains.

Chris said this will open up the view.  That's certainly true and we'll have a clear look over to Beaver Run hollow. 

I'm thinking about replacing these with four to six apple trees, which won't grow as tall.  It'll be nice to have a little orchard there, and since I think we could lose the old tree soon, it's time to think ahead.

As far as pines go, we'll still have 10 or so of the large, 70- to 90-footers left, and there are a couple of 30-foot sapplings around that will grow into place.  We've got more in the acre of woods behind and to the east, which is where I think the hawks have settled.  So the neighborhood can keep the name - Mary and I will stand by it.