In 2011 and 2012 I posted a series of shots of what I called the “Four Season Trees,” a long line of lombardi poplars that bordered Kitchen-Dick Road. Summer, autumn, winter, and spring shots showed the trees in their seasonal cloaks. In January, a long row of these trees were taken down by the local Public Utility District. Reaching the end of their expected lifespans, branches of the trees had been responsible for a significant power outage in the area and the trees were showing signs of age and decay. Though the run of Four Season Trees were not taken down in January, the reprieve was brief. They’re now gone.
The view has certainly opened up. I had guessed that the trees were a windbreak. Further north along this road their job description included blocking windborne seeds from being blown into a tree farm that grows seed conifers. To date the sawn trees remain stacked as they’re shown in the top shot.
They were beauts with short life span.
I understand rotten old trees, but regardless I would miss that lovely view… I love poplars…
Sad “landmark” that greeted us whenever heading home from town down this road. With the 101 construction, we’ll probably travel that road less often. Lombardy Poplars are fast growing trees with short “life spans” – usually about 15 to 20 years. These trees were planted some 30-45 years ago. None the less, I will miss them!
More: http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/article.exm/2013-03-06_orchard_manager__trees_coming_down_for_safety
What a tragic tale. I don’t understand how they could be responsible for power outages – I don’t see a power line anywhere. It’s amazing how fast 15-20 years goes by!
Hi Kay. I couldn’t find anywhere to send you a private message so I’m posting here. I have so enjoyed exploring your site. Your photos are beautiful and I love the commentary too like the peek a boo mountains and the cemetery cat 🙂 I’m in the process of relocating to Sequim and I have picked up a lot of useful information. Thank you for sharing! BTW, the shot of the rainbow and fall foliage should be entered in some kind of contest!
@Lowell, there are power lines at the other end of this run of trees. They were the first to go. I guess they figured that if the other ones were ready to go these were too. The Public Utilities District took down the ones at the powerlines. A downed branch left us without power late last year.
Uh oh! I guess it doesn’t take much force sometimes to create a problem. And they were old!
Your story about teeth brushing was so interesting. We’d never even thought of that and we have had dogs all of our life. But when we got a Golden Retriever, we did brush her teeth. Well, Lois brushed. I watched just in case she needed help. Haley didn’t much like it but being a gentle and loving soul, she’d let Lois brush with no problem.
Even though removing these trees is rational, the artistic side of my brain is disappointed.
As soon as I saw the second shot I thought, ‘Hmm…looks like a windbreak’. Well, it’s unfortunate they had to be removed, yet understandable if they were unhealthy. I hope there are plans for replacement trees. Btw, thanks for your kind words on SDP. I do love photographing birds — it’s such a challenge.
No! What a pity!
What a difference between the two photos! Despite the condition of the trees,, I prefer the shot with all of them in it.
oh no! i think thats sad…