Surprisingly the misuse of the expression cleanup is often applied to the removal of unwanted green things be they overgrown shrubs or trees too tall for their intended purpose. Often, these purposes are determined by those who have lost sight of the ecosystem services as well as the aesthetics provided by those green things.
In Old Cloverdale in the Capitol City and within Demopolis along major thoroughfares, an old argument is under way. In each of these two areas, trees planted decades ago are interfering with our precious power lines, and for some people they are no longer providing the aesthetic beauty of yesteryear.
Here in Autaugaville, not far from the corner of Pickett and Academy, just off Highway 14 out of reach of power lines, a mature cedar branches in all directions toward the blue sky. This old beauty possesses numerous growths clearly forged of fungus or other maladies encountered throughout its life. These tuberous protuberances provide hollows for various organisms, while a matted nest lies perched precariously within its branches.
Only yesterday as I walked home from work in the afternoon heat, I noticed bees as they went about the business of cooling the hives, fanning the entrance, circulating air lowering the internal temperature for their collective survival.
In Montgomery the trees in question, whether planted too close to power lines or simply had power lines encroach on their growth, are becoming problematic, at least for some. The power company sights the costs of trimming these trees to avoid their lines while others see these gnarled specimens as lacking beauty. Still others claimed these now trimmed trees are out of balance and in danger of falling down.
Luckily, those in tune with the area enjoy the shade provided by their growth and would not have Old Cloverdale loose its familiar charm. These young voices speak with old souls using their voice in support of those things that cannot speak.
Along the streets of Demopolis much is the same as horticulturists paid to trim and dispose of the old, removing and replanting at a profit, have endless suggestions. But those old heads, who set out the oak and crepe myrtles that have grown matted together forming a domed canopy overhead, relish in the beauty planned for years ago that only now is reaching fruition.
Surely we all must understand that work like this can be undone, but how long before the new will provide the beauty and ecosystem services that are already in place within the existence of these two.
James R. Brown, born and raised in Autauga County, has been an educator since 1992. He currently teaches at Autaugaville High School.
