Phase 2 of the tree removal.  (Photographed through filthy patio window.)

A necessary but sad thing.  The tree is now completely without branches all the way to the top.  Next Saturday with be phase 3 when the trunk will be taken down. 

He was cheerful and efficient, had a great team.  It's heavy and dangerous work, fascinating to watch despite the heavy heart. 

Extra was his morning ascent (above was after lunch), en route he was chatting to someone working on their deck some distance away.  The nonchalance halfway up a gigantic tree is kind of cool and mind boggling.  :-) 

Now the tree is without limbs the angle of its lean even more pronounced.  We already knew the tree was beginning to uproot.  The potential damage to people, property and power lines becoming even clearer. 

I am looking forward to discussing what will be planted next, something smaller.  Flowering would be nice too.  Need to think of the positive.