Strong Roots

 

1/7/25 Green Lake neighborhood

In the constant, sometimes tense relationship between urban trees and humans, trees often get into trouble with their roots. Just like underground branches, their roots are always growing and seeking nutrients. Strong enough to break concrete pavement, they can also burrow under building foundations. That’s what one centenarian maple tree did where my yoga instructor’s studio is. Heavy rainfall penetrated cracks in the building’s foundation caused by the roots, flooding the studio and causing quite a bit of damage. A year later, the city has decided that the only solution is to remove the tree.

I can understand why trees that cause untenable damage must be removed, but it’s always sad to lose them. When I learned of its fate, I went to sketch it one last time. A friend who lives across the street from the studio saw me out there and came by to chat. He said he has enjoyed watching crows who nest regularly in that maple. Humans will not be the only ones to miss it.