Is it normal to love and mourn a tree?

82% Normal

There's a tree in my yard. Growing up, it was my favourite thing on our property. It was the perfect climbing tree, and it was big and beautiful. The tree had a happy kind of energy about it, and I'm not sure if it exuded this energy or if I appended it, but I felt content around it. Sitting in its strong branches, I certainly felt as if I loved the tree like a family member.

Fast forward to today and I'm all grown up and my favourite tree is dying. Every year it has fewer leaves, and its bark is falling off. It doesn't have much time left. I can hardly bear to look at it in this state. I feel crushed, and my heart sinks. Sometimes I go out just to touch it or talk to it. I feel guilt for not preventing its disease. I feel as if a part of my soul is dying with it.

Is it normal to love a tree this much and mourn it like a family member? In fact, I know I've felt deeper sorrow for this tree than for some of my actual human family members who weren't as much a positive part of my life.

Voting Results

82% Normal

Based on 50 votes (41 yes)

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Comments ( 49 )

DolphinAngel

8 years ago

It's probably just as normal as people mourning over the death of an animal companion they've grown up with and learned to love.

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donteatstuffoffthesidewalk

8 years ago

has yall talked to an arborist bout savin it?

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- Koda
  
  8 years ago
  
  I've sought advice. I know a guy who owns a nursery. There's not really anything we can do :( The tree isn't even that old. It's only around 50-75 years old.
  
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  - donteatstuffoffthesidewalk
    
    8 years ago
    
    what kinda tree?
    
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    - Koda
      
      8 years ago
      
      It's a maple, but not a common variety. It's similar to a Norway, so may be a cultivar of acer platanoides.
      
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      - donteatstuffoffthesidewalk
        
        8 years ago
        
        well rough as it sounds yall should knock er down yank the stump and plant somethin new
        
        do this and yall can save the wood while its still alive
        
        season/store it right and yall can make some real nice furniture and git some decent firewood outta it
        
        bettern just watchin it slowly die & turn to useless shit wood i thinks
        
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        Ellenna
        
        8 years ago
        
        That's a really great suggestion
        
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        Koda
        
        8 years ago
        
        Yeah, we've been trying to think of a way to fell it without damaging the house. It's gonna leave a pretty big hole in the "skyline" so to speak. I think I do want to leave a stump to sit on if it's viable.
        
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Freedom_

8 years ago

:{ ....I will grow you a tree!

*Solemnly stares into the distance*

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RoyRogers

8 years ago

Some people get attached to cars from childhood too. I think this is normal.

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[Old Memory]

8 years ago

I didn't cry, but I felt sad and somewhat lost once the spruce tree in my front yard was cut down :( Whiny neighbors said the branches were going in their driveway! I'd take the tree over them.

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- ReginaFalange
  
  8 years ago
  
  That's horrible! was there no way they could just cut off the "intruding" branches?
  So sad :(
  
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Jillfate

8 years ago

Yes.. It is normal to love and mourn the loss of a tree. I've done the same myself (the last one being a beautiful Mesquite that came down in a storm . ) it can really be depressing.

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- Koda
  
  8 years ago
  
  I'm sorry for your loss. I hope your tree saves a place for my tree in tree heaven.
  
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Anonymous200

8 years ago

Of course its normal. The tree was something from your childhood and it was/is very special to you. Unfortunately, you can't save it. How about when it goes, you pull out the stump and plant a sapling in its place? It could e symbolic of a fresh start. :)

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TrustMeImLying

8 years ago

I don't know squat about trees and their diseases, but is it too late to break off a branch and plant it? A la Groot?

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- Shackleford96
  
  8 years ago
  
  My girlfriend cried when Groot sacrificed himself. Lol.
  
  Oh yeah, and uh, spoiler alert and stuff... :P
  
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  - TrustMeImLying
    
    8 years ago
    
    Oh... so you find it funny that she cried at that scene. Uh... yeah... yeah me too. I mean! yeah I find it funny too. Not that I cried. I didn't cry. Really. I didn't. I swear nothing fell from my eyes. Sure, my vision may have gotten a little blurry but some people's eyes get misty because of allergies. No I don't have allergies. But who says I didn't spontaneously develop some that night? Plus who gets touchy at a CGI character dying anyway? Certainly not men. Haha... yeah. The scene was no big deal anyway. All Groot did was he put everyone else before himself... and... and then he... the... the fireflies... and then... brb
    
    *runs away*
    
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    - Shackleford96
      
      8 years ago
      
      I didn't find it funny, I found it HILARIOUS! Lol
      
      She's a bit of a wiener about stuff sometimes. Especially movies and anything to do with animals. She hates it when I make fun, but I can't help laughing sometimes. I'm kind of a dick like that...
      
      You should get that allergy checked out man :P
      
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      - TrustMeImLying
        
        8 years ago
        
        I approve of your dickery. Does she even get you back or do you keep getting free passes to make fun? If she doesn't... I have a question for you on her behalf. Uncle shackle how come you tummy wobble when I pokes it????
        
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        Shackleford96
        
        8 years ago
        
        Yeah, she gets me back sometimes. I'm still winning though. Probably. Lol.
        
        The joke went over my head. I don't get it :(
        
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dirtybirdy

8 years ago

I feel ya man, and I'm pleased that you're not like that shit head kid from the Giving Tree.

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ReginaFalange

8 years ago

If there is really no hope and it will dye anyway, how would you feel about using its wood to make something really special for yourself to keep forever?
Like a cradle for your kids or a bed for you or an arm chair.

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Blue_Velvet

8 years ago

It's a tree..

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- Koda
  
  8 years ago
  
  Now I know you're not a country girl, Blue
  
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intooblivion

8 years ago

That's heartbreaking. I'd hate to see my favorite tree die.

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- Koda
  
  8 years ago
  
  Thanks for your kind sentiment.
  
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Are You Normal?

Is it normal to love and mourn a tree?