First things first. Today is the 34th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley. He died August 16, 1977 in Memphis. I was in Memphis that day. I was in town on company business. I tried to drive down close to the Presley mansion which had a souvenier store across the street. Between people buying memoriabilia and mourners placing flowers at the entrance to Graceland, I couldn’t even get close. I remember Grasshopper No.1 asking for something of significance from the day. Alas, I think I disappointed again.
We have a maple tree in our front yard that was planted 8 years ago. It is becoming a significant part of our front yard. After our lightning experience, I was sure that lightning had struck the tree and an electrical spike been transferred over wet ground to the garage. The tree has lots of dead leaves. There is a tree service in town called Ranger. Their speciality is tree removal but they are experts in helping trees survive. Yesterday one of their experts named Dan examined our tree. I think saving a tree is akin to saving a person with the Obama Health Care System only slightly more expensive.
Ranger Dan, he is our man. If he can’t save our tree, nobody can!
Ranger Dan uses tree examination as a teaching moment. I got a lesson on proper planting of trees, root behavior and stress management. Yep, our tree was planted too deep originally and the nature of root growth has stress the tree. He might be able to save the tree. I think he said the tree can sense if it is loved or not. We need to modify roots and give the tree love. It will be touch and go for awhile.
Ranger Dan says that the tree suddenly showing dead leaves had nothing to do with an electrical strike. I think Dan may be pumping some sunshine up my butt. With all respect to Dan, I think my tree got an electrical jolt that accelerated the problems of a stressed tree. What do I know?
But like my doctor, I need to learn to trust Ranger Dan. Stay tuned.
Love,
Dad