Have you noticed that one of the large and beautiful maples near the top of Regents Hill succumbed to old age this week?
You had to be up and out early Monday morning to see the big branches down on the street, and the significant amount of decay in the trunk and branches of the tree that led to its downfall. You can definitely see how a family of raccoons could live inside that cavernous trunk. And upon close examination, it’s amazing the tree held up through last winter’s storms. Fortunately, there were no cars or people underneath it when it let go this week.
By the time we returned to the neighborhood in the evening, it had all been cleaned up.
Our best guess–knowing a little bit about construction of Regents Drive and the surrounding homes–is that it was one of the original trees planted during the earliest days of Alameda Park. That tree witnessed a lot of Alameda life, from streetcars to sledding. Thanks for four generations of shade!
Alameda Old House History 
Thanks for the pix, Doug. Another large neighborhood tree died about six months ago and fell into the large intersection at 26th and Mason, where Bryce intersects. The tree was located on the parking strip of the orange house. I happened to be passing by shortly after the tree split in half. The fallen crown was so big it filled much of the intersection. A boy was out riding his scooter. As I passed, I pointed and said to the boy, That tree died this morning. Dont know if the boy experienced any feelings of sadness but I did. The remaining standing trunk has now been removed and the spot is ready to receive a new sapling. Unfortunately one can no longer plant giant canopy trees in neighborhoods (though that intersection would be a great place for one.) No, the replacement will surely be a modest tree, not much presence but no trouble to future generations either.
So many of the old neighborhood trees are succumbing to old age…sad.
I sure miss the two approx. 80 year old Silver Leaf Maples that I had cut down last year. I really miss the shade they provided. I live at NE 26th & Klickitat and the trees had been damaged by the power company’s tree trimming needs. Every couple of years I would have my arborist out and for several years he would tell me they aren’t for this life much longer. Last year he said I was really courting with disaster due to the interior rot that he could see, so the tough decicion was made to take them down. Boy, was he right, so much rot inside those poor things! The arborist was really surprised that one of the trees didn’t just split open or drop one of it’s huge limbs on the street. This past winter was worry free for me as far as the concern for the old trees went but I did have to worry about my baby trees that are now there. The old growth was used for so much, too. Someone came by and was hauling away huge pieces to make furniture with, which please me and a preschool wanted some to do artwork with.
Thanks for sharing your insight on this. Sounds like you carefully weighed the risks and made a good choice that may have prevented loss and damage. And a good cautionary tale for Alameda neighbors. When in doubt, call a certified arborist for a look-see at the condition of your trees. Here’s a link on urban tree care worth looking at