BAD NEWS FOR MY SEQUOIADENDRON GIGANTEUUM

Those new shrubs are going to look brilliant.

Looks like you turned a sad situation into something beautiful.

Thanks all :) It did suck to cut it down but it was starting to get raggedy and ugly. It's still in the back of my truck awaiting it's trip to the dump. I kept about 3' of trunk for that project you suggested Sally. I also left about 3" of limb for about 12" of trunk so the birds would have somewhere to perch. I'll post pics of that when it's all done.

the birds will love it, feeder AND new shrubs, and you'll have a unique memento that none can buy in a store.
;)

Just reading this thread. i totally understand how hard it is to give up a special tree. I am considering giving up my lovely hemlocks because they are so hard to maintain and they're a pretty ordinary tree at that. While the new viburnums will be a great addition, I wonder what the harm is in keeping a baby black tupelo as a shrub/small tree in the same area?

Perhaps this experience addresses the tap root concern: I bought one and kept it in a tall pot for two years until it died, so the replacement went into the ground right away. It died to the ground while unprotected last winter, but sprang up with vigor. The reason for the delay planting the last one was that where I live there is a lot of ledge, so I was looking for a deep section of soil, and this is my little project, so not a lot of help with digging. I bought small ones through native nursery on-line stores, so it was a very small investment. Now it's growing near things like Lindera benzoin, a few viburnum nudum and tomentosum f. plicatum cultivars, prunus babies and a few dwarf conifer cultivars that grow less than 3-6" per year. Since they are all still small, invariably something will need editing within a twenty year period in spite of efforts to give them enough room, but I hope to enjoy them and the wildlife that visit within the next 10 years. Who's to know which shrub or tree will be killed by a predator, anyway?

In regards to the no tree inquiry: as much as I'd like my life to be all about me :) I have to respect what my wife would like and take her thoughts into consideration. After some thought, I figured I'd be just as happy watching large shrubs grow up as I would a tree. Also, as much as I hate to admit this, I do have enough trees with 10 large trees planted on a 1/4 acre. 8 of them are under 4" caliper so they've got a lot of time yet to grow. We should have a fairly wooded lot in 20 years, which is perfect for me :)

It looks great, Sequoia! You'll be looking at a full bed of berry-laden shrubs in no time at all. Lucky birds!

Thanks Muddy, I'm excited to watch them :)