The following is a true story.
(and a parable for life)
Betsy, a VERY concerned citizen, discovered an unsightly discharge between two branches on the Elm outside her home. Betsy knew what this meant.
Her life was in danger.
While the threat of limbs crushing her Honda CRV worried her sick, Betsy sacrificed everything to engage in an extended letter writing campaign to the town council.
“I am VERY concerned. My car, which I work very hard to purchase, could be crushed!”
Despite multiple inspections from the town’s arborist confirming the Elm’s health, Betsy continued her campaign.
“I have named the tree Elmily and I pray for her daily”
“Every day, when I park my car, which I purchased, I fear the worst.”
“Elmily, is dying, it is obvious!”
“I can tell you do not care for me or Elmily”
“I am a kind person, you are unkind, I pray for Elmily. I need my car”
Betsy was convinced the town was conspiring against her and Elmily.
Below is the exact transcript of the arborist’s letter confirming the tree’s health. It remains in the town’s records.
In reference to Mature American Elm on Ferry St. just south of Chestnut.
There’s an old saying
“No good tree grows with ease. The stronger the breeze, the stronger the trees.”
The weather conditions our trees.
In regards to sap / oozing on tree, This is normal for that particular species. While some would diagnos as slime flux, American Elms typically secrete sap & as a result the bark turns white / yellowish color.
This is also the very reason the ole timers called it a “piss elm.”
Upon my inspection, I found the tree to be in good health & I feel it should be celebrated by the town. Mulch around it, put a bench by it, enjoy it!!
Just please don’t worry about it. (wasted energy)
The only preventative action as far as the tree being co-dominant leads, would be to install a dynamic cabling system that holds tree together during high winds. However, since no splitting or included bark is present and I believe whole heartedly in the opening quote about trees’ acclimating ability, the installation of a cabling system would only be to apease the worry warts of the town.