Ghost Tree

A dead eucalyptus tree loomed over the Tucson back yard. It was not intrinsically beautiful, but somehow I hated to see it go.

Photo by Granto

I had enjoyed seeing its whiteness against the night sky. What’s more, every morning and evening a mockingbird perched atop one of the branches and serenaded the neighborhood with bird songs that were unfamiliar to me. I looked forward to the musical entertainment.

The day after I left Tucson for the summer, an arborist’s crew came to take the tree down.

Movie by Granto

Well, I'm sorry this doesn't work. I've tried everything. Any suggestions?

We had hoped the wood would be suitable for making a table top, but learned that eucalyptus cracks as it dries out, as is evident from seeing the freshly cut trunk.

Photo by Granto

The arborist charged $450 to take the tree down, but hauling it away would have cost $1,000 more. We opted to keep the wood to burn in the small casita’s fireplace and in the patio chiminea.

Taking the tree down made the casita safe and improved the appearance of the back yard. Still, we worry about the mockingbird and wonder what venue it will choose next. If it moves away we will miss its morning serenades.

Copyright 2015 by Shirley Domer