The Tree Is Gone

By Richard Dowson Opinion/Commentary

It is with a heavy heart that I report the demise of that gorgeous little tree at the Yara Centre. It has been removed – chipped up and passed on to that great arboretum in the sky, never to grace the sunlight of Moose Jaw again.

I am quite certain the little tree was a Siberian Elm, a variety not susceptible to the dreaded Dutch Elm Disease and, like me, not native to Moose Jaw; an understanding the tree and I shared.

The tree trunk had grown to a diameter of about 30 Centimeters (12 inches) – testament to its determination to survive.

This summer, during the hot July weather I liked to walk inside the Centre and then sit on the bench under the tree in the front of Yara; watch the Canadian Pacific Kansas City trains roll by while I acted as an unofficial ‘greeter’ to the passing Yarapatrons. The shade from the little fellow and a slight breeze from the north-west kept me and the bench cool on those sweltering days. A memorable, relaxing experience.

I understand the Yara Tree was removed because it planted itself. It didn’t belong. The Yara Tree and I shared that sense of not belonging – which resulted in me living in four different provinces.

I assume the seed for the tree wandered there via a bird dropping – so I did not have that in common with the tree. But I felt we both belonged to the Yara neighbourhood.

I understand there will be a replacement tree. But unless a large tree is brought in on a tree spade and planted, it will be years before a new tree will give shade. But then, maybe areplacement is meant for a younger generation.

Am I a lover of trees?

Yes. Just like my granddaughter Maria who is studying forestry at U. of A.

Photo Parade of the Yara Tree

This is a photo of the Yara Tree from 2020. The photo was taken and posted by the MJ Independent. Six years ago – during COVID-19 the tree struggled like most of us, and survived COVID without a mask.

Credit: MJ Independent

This is a more recent photo of the Yara Tree ‘leafed out’ and posted by Moose Jaw Today. The little duffer was coming along – fighting the elements – like we all do in Moose Jaw.

This final Internet photo of the Yara Tree shows it has grown talland was getting ready for another gorgeous Moose Jaw summer.

Goodbye old friend. Hope you find other like-minded trees to hang out with and if not, that you provide good quality mulch for an avid Moose Jaw gardener.

Writer Richard Dowson is a retired educator.

He is known for his frequenting local coffee shops and other places seniors gather.

In a previous life he wrote comedy for CHED in Edmonton.

His views may or may not reflect the views of this publication.