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In reply to the discussion: why do people hate trees? [View all]dr.strangelove
(4,851 posts)I neither love nor hate them. They are yet another thing on this planet. They have benefits to me and costs to me. I have clear cut all of the trees that have the capacity to fall into my home because twice 100% healthy trees fell into my house when the intense groundwater brought by a severe hurricane soaked the ground to the point where a root ball some 12 feet across was not sufficient to hold the maple into the ground. The other instance was an oak with a root ball slightly smaller but still larger than my car. The cost balance here is the shade and privacy they provided, but the risk to life and limb, as well as costs because insurance no longer covers this without a very expensive endorsement made the decision for me. I still have several large oaks on the property and the rear 1/3 of an acre is just white pine, white birch and a few oaks mixed in, but no trees near my home.
Just as I do not get why anyone would hate trees and seek to actively cut them down, I also do not see why anyone would love them and seek to protect them at all costs. I think there is a healthy and happy medium between these two, and I think I have found it. I will admit to hating trees for a 6 week period from late September through early November when its a 6 week leaf war to keep them from dangerous walking/driving area ground coverage, but we mulch a good deal on the lawn for winter nutrition.
Otherwise, trees are nothing to be loved or hated. They are just another thing living on this planet, like bugs, dogs and other people. Certain of those things I dislike, others I enjoy. But love and hate, that is just silly to me. Anyway, interesting post and I thank you for making me think about this.