Tree of Heaven - NOT

Knowing how hot it was going to be today (currently 100.8°F), we got up early because hubby and Chris had an outside job. Background: I almost did not buy this property. I loved that there were so many dogwoods. But, I saw many saplings around the perimeter that looked like poison sumac. Being highly contagious, I didn’t want a future being itchy and miserable. My mother was friends with a tree specialist who assured me these were not sumac. He didn’t warn me they were worse!! Their root systems have now reached as far as our house’s foundation and there are new trees sprouting up all along their path. I spend many of my days pulling up the saplings. Hubby has even sprayed them with brush killer but to no avail. They grow quickly. There are even some coming up in my raised garden! The ones in my blip had branches lying on both shed roofs from this spring/summer’s growth. I used the Seek app to identify them for my journal. It says they are a “Tree of Heaven”. Poorly named I’d say. Sorry for the rant. Anyway, Chris got here early this morning and helped hubby cut off the offending branches. I did not get photos of all of them. What a mess. In appreciation, I treated my heroes to a large breakfast. We are so blessed to have family nearby and willing to help us. Kristen and Parker both dropped by. We have solar lights along our driveway and Parker had smashed one with his Dad’s big pick up a few days ago. He came back to clean up the tiny pieces of glass and metal. Hubby had finished that job before Chris arrived. Parker offered to help with the trees but the men had even cleaned up all the debris by then. So Parker just enjoyed blueberry coffee cake and headed home. I cleaned the kitchen, straightened the house and took off for the rest of the day. Hubby showered and headed to his recliner. We still have leftovers so it’s another no cooking day. Hope you had a quiet Sunday. Stay cool and safe. Thanks for visiting. “When trouble comes, it’s your family that supports you.” –Guy Lafleur