Tree Obituary
By Mary Hackett Ernst
It is with deep regret and sorrow that I announce the passing of Blue Spruce Uno, Blue Spruce Dos and their close friend and neighbor, Flowering Crab on Monday, August 10, 2020, in Marion, Iowa.
They lived side by side for almost 30 years, their branches entwining each other. As they lived together, they passed together from Derecho Plague under the mournful watch of caretaker Mary.
Uno and Dos first sprouted on a rural Marion farm. At a young age, they moved, with the help of a tree spade, to Windsor Court in North Marion to form a blended family with Flowering Crab under Mary’s guardianship.
All three grew straight, strong and tall, providing homes for countless birds, squirrels, and rabbits, as well as much appreciated shade and protection for all species. Uno and Dos proudly participated in Christmas festivities by adorning bright Christmas lights until becoming too tall. Flowering Crab awed us all with her flowering splendor every spring. She provided one of the first signs of rebirth after a long winter.
They survived blizzards, drought, blight, hail, rainstorms and fierce winds until the greatest wind of all took them down. They were no match for the 100 mph Derecho.
All three accepted caretaker Mary’s critical eye with her lopping, thinning, branch cutting, and annual spraying to insure their health. Payback was a stiff branch in the face, countless leg scratches, and hive producing pollen when mowing was done.
Uno, Dos and Flowering Crab are survived by caretaker Mary, countless pine cone children and all their animal friends.
As per their wishes, all three have become part of the earth again in a new role to help future generations of trees to grow and thrive. In their memory, please plant, appreciate, and take care of our trees.
