The Cherry Tree Dilemma: Mindfulness, Complexity and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)

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  In attachment blossoms fall, in aversion weeds spread. Dogen, Genjo Koan (1233 CE) Smack in the middle of the back yard is a non-native, very short tree that, when I moved in, looked like a dwarf, would-be weeping willow. Scraggly, neglected, it stood just over five feet high, and its branches hung down to the ground all around. It took up a fair amount of space; of course nothing grew in its shade. I did recognize it: a weeping cherry—not a naturally grown specimen of one of the beautiful Japanese varieties, but a “frankentree,” which, as Brian Funk of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has written, “are the flowering cherries on sale at home improvement stores” that “look like mops, or umbrellas, or octopus trees.” They are created when “weeping cherry branches… are grafted onto a straight trunk that was cut off at five feet tall.”  Well yes, exactly. Not only was it ungainly, but: what was the point of its existence, and what good would it do?  I mentally tagged it for rem...
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Children Need Trees and Shrubs, Too

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My brother told me this sad story: He is selling his house, which has in back a patio, a strip of grass, and a small wooded area with native flowers and bushes, paths, and places to sit. A prospective buyer came through and liked the house, but she was worried. Where would her children play? She discussed cutting down the trees, including some young oaks, in order to put up a swing set and gym. He tried to explain the value of a small natural area for wildlife and humans (reconciliation ecology in action). Children need nature, and what better place to find it than the back yard?

Trying to sell a house in this economy is sad, or certainly difficult enough, but my brother and I shook our heads over this prospective buyer's truly sad lack of imagination. Had her children been along she might have been surprised at their reaction to the backyard--most likely it would have been incredibly positive. My brother was relieved not to be selling to her.

Comments

Gloria said…
I hope he finds a buyer willing to allow the trees to stay. We have found that the grand children find much to interest them in our gardens with no open space large enough for playing ball.
April 1, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Adrian Ayres Fisher said…
I think he will, most people would value trees, I should think. Wild backyards are where many children first get imprinted by nature. Of course, then they grow up to be nature lovers :)

Hope this happens to your grandkids.
April 1, 2010 at 2:19 PM
knapperbill said…
Hi Adrian. I think you make a valid point here about kids and nature. I'm an elementary educator, and it seems as if kids become more separated from nature every year. I hold outdoor education summer classes, and am always impressed with their natural inclination to begin climbing trees. They just simply need to get outside! Great blog, by the way. You have many thought provoking topics. Love it!
April 15, 2010 at 4:55 PM
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