At about 5 am on Friday morning Jenny and I were woken by a very loud thud from outside the house. We discovered that our magnificent eucalyptus tree in the back garden had been blown down by the ferocious gusts of Storm Eowyn and was completely blocking the road.
At about 5.30 am we saw that our huge pittosporum tree behind the kitchen had also been brought down by the storm. Luckily it didn't damage the heating oil supply pipe close by or we would have had a further problem - oil leaking everywhere.
Fortunately a tree surgeon came past later on a visit to a neighbour's house where two more trees had collapsed, and we arranged to have the eucalyptus tree cut up and removed yesterday morning.
Now of course Jenny and I have to decide whether to replace the eucalyptus or not to bother. We're inclined not to get another as it has shallow roots and is more vulnerable to strong winds. I'm told they're also more liable to fall if they're in moist soil, which weakens the roots. And guess what Northern Ireland is known for? Quite a lot of rain....
We probably won't replace the pittosporum either, as it was too close to the house and also has shallow roots.
Trees are very beautiful, they provide shade in the summer, they provide places for birds to nest, and they're good for the environment. But they're not so appealing if the little blighters decide to fall down and it costs us an arm and a leg to have them removed.
But I guess the two trees had a good run for their money. They were at least 20 years old and were lovely to look at.
Pics: Pittosporum tree (top); eucalyptus tree (below)
Nick, it's always sad when trees blow down , I'm a tree lover and had the chance to see wonderful trees . The Baobab in Africa is one , where people sit under to discuss and resolve problems. I'm happy that your house or yourself and Jenny were not touched by the falling trees. There can be big damage. Maybe to replace these two beauties you can plant roses or some other bush flowers or a fruit tree. .
ReplyDeleteHannah
Hannah: Yes, we were lucky the pittosporum was leaning away from the house and not towards it. That's a good idea to plant some flowers to replace the trees.
DeleteWhat a shame, Nick! And yes, it’s extremely pricey to have trees removed. We don’t have those types of trees here, but our fir trees have shallow roots and we are always fearful of them falling on the house. I’m glad you and your home are safe!
ReplyDeleteBijoux: I hope your fir trees behave themselves and don't fall on the house!
DeleteIt's sad to lose large trees. I live in a softwood woodland, trees everywhere. Those that had been close to the house have died and been removed. Flowers or flowering bushes would be a good choice.
ReplyDeleteSandra: Yes, we'll probably plant some flowers or bushes instead of new trees. Something that isn't likely to cause major trouble a few years down the line!
DeleteWow, sorry to see you lost a couple of nice trees. Wind always does that around here when it starts gusting really high.
ReplyDeleteMary: The wind was gusting at about 80 mph. And the pittosporum was already at an angle so we guessed it might come down.
DeleteAlthough out of pocket, you are fortunate.
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