Tree 'Surgeons' Should Provide 'Patients' With TLC

As always in Spring, the robins have arrived, the daffodils have bloomed, and the power company tree-trimmers have pruned. Or should I say the tree-trimmers have butchered? We all know that branches have to be kept away from power lines, but must trees be left looking like skeletons? And malformed skeletons, at that? This year the "surgeons" delivered the first of a one-two punch. A few days later came the battering of a freak storm that pelted us with marble-sized ice balls. The result of this double whammy was a yard and driveway carpeted with debris. The "surgeons" left several cantaloupe-sized tree pieces in their "operating room" along with severed branches that fell into shrubbery. As I rake up the detritus, my thoughts about this surgical procedure have not been particularly kindly. There is some benefit to preventive measures, but there is also aesthetic judgment and tree health to be considered.

Lest I malign all tree trimmers, I must acknowledge that I appreciate the expertise of the ones who are careful to provide their "patients" with TLC and preserve their self-respect.