So, I finally bit the bullet and had the bane of my existence black locust removed. It was quite a project as there were powerlines and roads on two sides and all of my raised beds full of semps on a third side.

I cannot tell you how happy I am to have that tree gone. I kept a tall stump for a table - it's the tree I've planted so many semps around. Just couldn't face losing that look. NOW, no more covering and uncovering the beds Fall and Spring. No more repairing the shadecloth covers EVERY year. Bonus - more sun on the beds.

in the beginning


first day


day 2, almost gone


ding, dong: the witch is dead


they came back a third day and cut the stump level for me

Painted the stump with 41% gly (black locusts are notorious sprouters). So far, no sprouts except from the disturbed roots. Oh, yes, it was pricey, but worth every penny. My tree guys are all powerline certified and insured - so no worries on those accounts.

Wowsers...what a job! Those guys are good! I don't see any debris in your beds at all.

There was a fair amount of small stuff (less than 2' long), but I pick it out as I see it. Just a few wheelbarrows full of small debris and A LOT of wood chips and sawdust.

Wow Kate, I think I hear the semps singing and cheering. That was a huge undertaking. And a large chunk off of your fall chore list.
Congratulations.

Congrats on defeating your nemesis!

Kate,

Wow that was a tree and a half. I know you'll be MUCH happier. My problem is Douglas fir debris. You wouldn't think an evergreen would be a problem but it is CONSTANTLY sending out some sort of debris: needles, branches, cones! Always something! Anyway I FEEL your former pain!

Kevin

The defining moment for me was when the tree dropped a 4" branch that was 8' long on top of one of the semp beds. It was big enough to've killed someone if it'd hit them. As it was, it broke 2 signs and speared some semps. Luckily, it was an area where I had a lot of them.

An almost harmless warning sign that the tree must come down.