Massive old cottonwood trees line the ditch along the back of G+Ms' yard. Recently one tree started leaning into the yard enough that it was dangerous. Tree removal experts were consulted and it was decided that the conditions were precarious and unpredictable enough to necessitate pulling (rather than cutting) the tree down.
Cushioned by the ash trees in its path, the cottonwood's impact with the ground was remarkably gentle. No ground-shaking thud, no giant "boom!" Plenty of cracking and small booms though: it was a big, heavy tree.
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after the fall:
the cottonwood's stump
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before:
after:
