The Observation Deck

I had to come on and mention the loss of an old old friend, a tree I used to marvel over when I was a little kid visiting my grandparents in Lakewood, after making that very long drive across the river from Collinwood. I remember tracing the plaque and reading about Moses Cleaveland. I don't think I have any pictures of this tree and I'm afraid to jog over to Summit and see what's there now. According to Fox 8, it was supposed to be "taken down" this morning, it's probably already gone, or in the process. I don't think I can bear to see it. There was some other info about how it was rotten, and how it couldn't bear it's own weight-- even though it looked like it was fine-- and how much care has been taken to keep it up as long as it has been there.

If you don't know, there is a tree on Summit that is part of the forest that was here when Moses Cleaveland first arrived in this area. It is a vast tree with the sidewalk cut around it. I pointed it out to my son on one of his first stroller rides. A very good friend told my son that it was the place where Moses Cleaveland first stopped to relieve himself and of course this story has been passed down. Unfortunately it will now be passed down the way other former landmarks are passed down. There used to be a mini golf course there where we used to play! That McDonald's used to be a theater where you saw your first movie! That CVS used to be a church with amazing stained glass windows and a little park on the side where you had your first ride on a swing. I could go on but I shall not. I know everybody worked hard to keep that tree.

I won't really believe it had to go until I hear it from John Palmer.

Thank you for all of the memories, hundreds if not thousands of them, old friend.

Betsy Voinovich

From 2012 on the Deck...

Corey Rossen wrote:The Moses Cleveland tree on Summit Avenue and I have a long history, going back in my family more than 60 years. This being said, it is not doing well. There are constantly truck coming by to look at its health, as they should, and I appreciate that. I have requested, on occasion, the tree crews to come out and look at possible hazardous limbs and they have taken care of any safety issues.

One tree trimming trip a few years ago brought out masses of people fighting to save a few limbs. In fact, by trimming the tree they were helping to save it and prolong its life. This was a hard point to get across to many of the people observing. The crew chief explained to me what was going on and also to the people onsite. I then had to explain it to the same people as they were not convinced by the crew chief. I explained my history with the tree and my appreciation of the care the City was taking of it. I saw it was a losing conversation and decided to go back inside and observe away from the crowds all the while thinking - Where were these people when I had to pay $8000 in water/sewage damage when the tree roots ate through my pipes in the yard a year ago, I could have sure used their financial help and support then.

So, to answer the question of a tree lifespan (without being an arborist), there is a lifespan and a quality of life to maintain both for the tree and the surrounding residents.

Corey

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