FAREWELL TO GRANDMOTHER SPRUCE

Hello Friends, 

It is with great sadness that we suddenly found ourselves in the position of saying goodbye to the tall spruce tree that welcomes in our neighbors and friends into the Sanctuary main space. This icon of the neighborhood could be seen from quite a distance and was the tallest tree around this part of Troy. This beautiful Norwegian Spruce tree is estimated to have been around 70 years old.

This parting was unexpected and sudden. During the installation of a new access ramp for the Sanctuary’s front entrance, two significant roots were damaged. These roots were the tree’s foundation, and the deep cuts they sustained risked the stability of this tree and therefore the welfare of our neighbors. This is a reminder of the importance of strong and stable roots to all of our well-being. 

The difficult decision to remove the tree was made with the guidance of tree lover Jack Magai of More Trees Arborist Collective. His risk assessment noted the damage to the roots, the tree’s reduced stability, and the resulting extreme risk to our neighbors and the powerlines directly in front of the Sanctuary’s main building. The decision had to be made quickly due to the oncoming inclement weather. We were unwilling to risk the safety and well-being of any neighbors. 

Clear Choice Tree Services came for an emergency tree removal on Thursday December 18, and handled the removal of the spruce tree with care and professionalism. The spruce tree will be staying with the Sanctuary in a new capacity. Instead of giving us shade and standing tall by the doors of the sanctuary, the tree will be reincorporated into the soils of our community garden, Collard City Growers. 

While we mourn the loss of this tree and its comforting presence, we also recognize that loss is part of life and we look forward to the new growth that will come. Thank you for being with us on this journey and for your ongoing support.