Thank You, to an Old Tree

24 years ago we were on the hunt for a new home for our family that had enough land for us to farm.

We came across a 19th-century farmhouse with plenty of space, just 2 miles down the road from where we lived at the time.

Over the phone, the realtor warned us: this old farmhouse hadn’t been fully lived in or updated since the 1970s, and although there were caretakers maintaining the land, much of the fields and yard had been left to overgrow.

Not one to back down from a challenge, we made our appointment to tour it the next day.

As we pulled into the dusty dirt driveway, surrounded by brush, engulfed in briars and vines that blocked our view in all directions, the first thing that stood out was this towering Silver Maple Tree.

It had an impressive trunk, over 4 ft in diameter, and its first two branches jutted out parallel with the ground. Those two branches, jutting out in opposite directions, looked like massive arms ready to embrace us as we drove further into the property.

Before we could even see the house, this tree’s old-growth aura and inviting presence made us feel like we were home.

As history would have it, we purchased the overgrown 19th-century farm property later that year, and it was the beginning of one of our family’s biggest adventures to date.

Year after year, as we cleared away the brush, renovated the barns, and replanted the fields, that tree became a magnet of attention from many who passed by.

Before we had alpacas, one of the only reasons to pull into our driveway was to get a closer look at the ancient Silver Maple. Local photographers and painting groups would ask to capture it, or just stand by it for a few quiet moments.

The tree was a constant reminder of the history of our old farm, and we appreciated its intimidating but inviting presence more each year.

Recently, a summer storm came through with heavy winds, and one of those massive arm-like branches, running perfectly parallel with the ground, broke off under its own massive weight.

At first, we thought we could save the tree by trimming it back to re-balance it, but after further inspection and a few expert opinions, the tree had reached the end of its natural life cycle.

With a trunk so large, we estimate the tree was between 125 and 150 years old, putting it many years past its average lifespan.

Although we still miss it greeting us as we pull back into the driveway each day, we feel fortunate for the time we had together.

It was the first thing that caught our eye when we visited the farm that very first time, and it helped cement our decision to take over the property and slowly restore it back to its farming glory.

For that, we will always be grateful.

Thank you, to an old tree.