The tree was planted around 1960, the year our house was built. It was a lace bark elm and stood in a small yard all its own just below ground level. It seemed to enjoy it there and grew to be tall and spectacular. Visitors commented on its beauty and wanted to know what kind of tree it was. It gets its name from the light and gray bark patterns it produces. Research indicates it is a medium to fast-growing tree, adapts to many soil conditions and is relatively free from the diseases ravaging other elm species, making it a tough and durable tree for any situation. It is also known as Chinese Elm.
It provided a wonderful sight as we looked at it through the sliding glass doors in the dining room. In the summer it put on dark green leaves that gave plenty of shade. Its shadows on the lawn were fascinating to watch as they changed with the setting sun. In winter the tree put on a festive air as the branches were covered in snow.
Our sons climbed that tree and sat in it to read. So did our oldest grandson. We have dozens of photos of the tree in all seasons and with different family members and friends standing near it.
The bark on the tree sheds at certain times of year indicating it was alive and thriving. We took it for granted that it would always be there, a symbol of stability and permanence. We never considered it not being there. We kept it pruned and fed and watered. We loved that tree. It was more than just a part of the landscape. It was a part of us.
About the time Covid hit the tree started having trouble. Some branches failed to produce leaves and the tree seemed to go into shock. Severe drought the next two years damaged the tree. A bout of below freeing temperatures twice in one winter pretty well finished it off. As we looked at the barren dead branches, shards of bark lying all around the tree, we considered having a chain saw artist come and create some kind of artistic tribute, maybe carve some birds resting on the tips of the branches.
After a few months we decided to remove the tree. It had stood in that little yard for a long time and we regretted losing it.
The tree is gone but we’re slowly getting used to seeing the canyon and the big sky that the tree had previously obscured. Where the tree once stood we can now see a dramatic vista.
We have noticed that the tree’s offspring are putting down roots and growing around the huge stump. They seem to be saying, “We’ll take over now. You go ahead and rest.” They have grown to nearly 4 feet and surround the remains of the tree trunk. Some other lace bark elms are growing tall nearby, reaching 6 feet or so.
We have half a dozen other lace bark elm trees around our house but they have a long way to go to reach the elegance of the one that used to stand just outside our dining room. But we are encouraging them.