Thread: apologize to trees

I know I am going to get a lot of flack, but Before I cut down a handsome tree I always give it a silent apology. Don't get me wrong I cut down trees all day everyday but I will invariably put my hand on it and apologize in my head. Any else out there?

Farmer Ferd

Just like I say "sorry old feller/gal" when I put a bullet through a game animal or kill a grand old catfish for the pot.

When dropping a tree a teeny bit of remorse must be felt by a person who has some respect for the forest/nature.

One of them deals--it's all connected.

I Concur. It's an empty spot that needs acknowledgment. Respect was a good word. Appreciation and value of nature comes to mind.

i hear ya,in fact if someone wants a healthy tree removed,i do all i can to convince them otherwise.
preservation is most important to me.
but if there is a hazard of course,it has to go if it cant be repaired.
so often people worry about strong healthy tree's just because they are so large.
as much as i like the work,i do all i can to let them know the true status of their landscape tree,rather than just placing a bid.
that gives most the sound of mind they need.
but if they still do of course im willing.
but ya,it is sad when you figure that tree may have been around in the days of your great great grandfather in some cases.

only the uneducated think being a "tree hugger" is a bad thing.

I hear you man, I do everything I can to avoid cutting down a great specimen, to the point I sometimes tell them to get someone else to do it as its not worth the gutted felling I have for a long time afterward. (even if the wallet feels gutted by not doing it)

Originally Posted by WadePatton

Just like I say "sorry old feller/gal" when I put a bullet through a game animal or kill a grand old catfish for the pot.

When dropping a tree a teeny bit of remorse must be felt by a person who has some respect for the forest/nature.

One of them deals--it's all connected.

I feel exactly the same way.

I pray out loud before starting every tree job... Doesn't matter whose around either.... Sometimes I'll even invite the customer and their children to join the ceremony and they can pray too if they like...
Before pruning I pray to God and ask God to bless the tree and give it a long life and ask that it might be a blessing to all those that live and visit here. I ask for safety for the workers. And ask for a blessing that we might do this work in a harmonious and good way. Then I address the tree, and will sometimes explain the reason why the work is being done and ask for its forgiveness, and thank it for it's giveaway and acknowledge that someday it will be me (us) that will give away. This is usually accompanied bu a tobacco give qway. Always keep some tobacco in the trucks....

Removals are slightly different. Taking the life of a tree is something I do regularly but not lightly.

doesnt the bible preach against smoking or otherwise polluting your body?
i find it oddly ironic that you pray and then have a good old smoke afterwards

im confused

Originally Posted by Farmer Ferd

I know I am going to get a lot of flack, but Before I cut down a handsome tree I always give it a silent apology. Don't get me wrong I cut down trees all day everyday but I will invariably put my hand on it and apologize in my head. Any else out there?

Farmer Ferd

Always. Good on ya too! I believe it is called 'awareness', I was raised to appreciate nature as me dear ol' momma is a Buddhist and I have many native friends also who log and do the same. We all are part of the circle.




Serge, giving no flack btw

I can not believe it! Were you a little drunk and got all mooshy? Trees get cut down. If not you, then--you know.
Jeff Lovstrom

Originally Posted by jefflovstrom

I can not believe it! Were you a little drunk and got all mooshy? Trees get cut down. If not you, then--you know.
Jeff Lovstrom

Hm, one outaa ten posts, hm again, not readin' past the first one maybe? Dunno,

Add me to the number of arborists who offer a silent word of apology to trees I cut down. I try to talk customers out of removing trees for no good reason, but if they want 'em down, yeah, if not me then some other guy is going to make the money. It's me, with hopes that my karma stays cool. I sometimes meditate on that as I collapse on the couch after the gig and a beer. The way I see it, I've saved hundreds of trees and given them a new lease on life, so maybe that balances the scales against the ones I've taken to ground. Hope so----

Why not go all the way and just hug it, ya might feel better

I pray for the safety of myself and fellow workers and the homeowner but I never mistake God's creation for God. I would no more apologize to the tree than I would to the grass when I mow my lawn.
Phil

Originally Posted by Small Wood

I pray for the safety of myself and fellow workers and the homeowner but I never mistake God's creation for God. I would no more apologize to the tree than I would to the grass when I mow my lawn.
Phil

So you're not an animist, eh? I'm not sure how long you've been in the trees, but if you have never sensed a certain power coming from them while aloft and felt a certain bonding with them while at work, I wonder how much you respect the trees you work on and how much positive energy you put into making the work you do on them serve them well.