Crataegus phaenopyrum was struggling. Commonly known as Washington Hawthorn, the small tree had everything a hawthorn could get: mites, scale, blight and cedar rust, along with a bifurcated crown. Beyond all that, it was in an odd location. I planned to remove it on a dry day in February.
The students, Pete, Sevi, and John, all had prior experience using chainsaws. I saw this as an opportunity to to demonstrate how to safely and properly bring down a small tree. They were up for it!
Using a pole chainsaw and an abundance of caution, we worked together to piece out limbs from the lower branches to the top. This left the trunk, which we sectioned out in three-foot lengths to grade level, where they made a flush cut. We bucked up our cuttings and loaded it onto the truck to finish the job.
I am impressed by these emerging adults. Pete, Sevi and John are solid representatives of their school, community and generation. MAGC will continue to partner with Archie Williams and all of the Tam Unified High School District schools. We are indeed a place for hands-on learning, just with a chainsaw!
