After storm, heartbreak over loss of treasured trees

Even cetury old trees are gone in the recent storms. Don't keep on weeping. Replant as much as possible. The show must go on.

After storm, heartbreak over loss of treasured trees
Without effort, only portion will be replanted, says expert

By PIERRE RUHE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 03/22/08

For Ria Pell, last week's tornado accomplished what the city of Atlanta couldn't. It took down her prized trees.

For the past year, she'd battled the city to save a 150-year-old water oak, tagged for removal in a road-paving and widening project. The showdown was scheduled for Monday; the storm arrived three days earlier.

"I was gonna get some hippies to chain themselves to the tree," said Pell, 40, without a hint of humor in her voice.

Pell bought the 1920s bungalow for its trees. The house needed renovation, but the old water oak and an ancient pecan stood guard out front. Four other full-size oaks, plus a broad cherry and a mimosa, ringed the property, creating a leafy canopy overhead.

All but one of her arboreal sentries crashed down in the storm, barely touching the house.

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