For a number of years, a focus of the Building & Grounds Committee has been improving our landscape, with guidance from Richard Grover. We have worked hard to integrate new plantings with shrubs and trees that are approaching 80 to 100 years old. Over the last 15 years we have removed a few diseased or declining plantings including the front yew hedge, which was removed four years ago for liability insurance reasons after it became overgrown and its root system disrupted sections of the old concrete sidewalk.
This summer we removed one of the cedar trees at the right front corner of the church. This cedar had grown too close to the church walls, and branches were resting on the church roof. Having spent $120,000 a few years ago to replace the roof, we are trying to follow all the recommendations given by our roofing contractor to extend its life beyond 50 years. Now the B&G Committee believes the time has come to remove the four cedar trees at the left front corner of the church.
We have been monitoring the growth of our “front corners cedars” for a number of years. Two of the cedars on the left front corner frequently knock the rod off our sundial. We attempted to tie them off ¾ of the way up the trunks but the rod was again knocked off in high winds.
In this early photo of the church, these cedars were four to six feet in height. In hindsight, eastern white cedar may not have been the right choice to plant, especially so close to the church’s foundation. The cedars have reached a size where significant root systems are likely compromising the foundation. They are so large, they are out of scale with church architecture hiding the beautiful round turret housing the spiral staircase leading up from the minister’s office to the bell tower room. We feel it is important our landscape and building be in harmony so one does not diminish the other.
We are looking for input on how best to address this situation and would appreciate hearing alternatives you have on how to proceed. To facilitate our request, cross Main Street and look at the view of the church building from the Village park. A good portion of the building is hidden by various trees and shrubs. We are interested in hearing from you so please contact B&G at building@uucanton.org or speak with a B&G committee member.
Pete Beekman; B&G Chair