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Writer's pictureFriends of RD Pike Building

The Trimming of the Hatchery Pines

Updated: Jun 28

On April 27th, 1899, an entry found in Superintendent Henry Sykes journal indicated that he had directed Mr. E. Moline and Mr. Wm. Curry, to set small Eastern White Pines in the front yard of the building. (According to the journal, they began “digging pits in the lawn for trees” on Monday April 24, 1899)

Untrimmed pines in from of the Hatchery building.
Before trimming.
Neatly trimmed pines in front of the Hatchery building.
After trimming.

Two of the originals still tower over the property to this day. Recognizing that these trees are now 125 years old and true treasures, we employed the services of one great arborist. Brit Marx of Brit’s Tree Service came to the rescue. She spent several hours …deliberating.


She looked the trees over from many vantage points, pondered them for a good bit of time, and then announced that they were healthy, had no inherent weaknesses and she strapped on her climbing gear and began the trimming of the hatchery pines!


Here are some images of the trimming in progress. Click images to view full-screen.

Arborist standing on ground preparing to trim large pine.
Arborist standing on tree branch trimming large pine.

She explained balance, proper pruning and what needed to be done.  Several hours later, the trees had been trimmed, they look wonderful, and we are so proud they are there. 


Here is some live video footage of the work.




We believe that our predecessors would be equally pleased.  Come say hi to the giants!


Small child standing in newly planted hatchery grounds beginning of 20th century.

 

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