Goodbye Maple!

For some years we've needed to cut down a maple tree in our yard. We would talk about it. The reasons were obvious; too close to the house, it showed signs of dying anyway, we'd agree. And then not do it, because it provided shade from the summer heat and in the fall would turn brilliant orange and red. And we had planted it right there.
Today we put the plan into action, and the tree is no more. The trunk had interesting patterns inside. Rot, says John.