We are well aware that the ‘tree’ is a person, residing at the temple. The tree is matter, the soul makes it grow and strive for life. Nevertheless, we don’t advocate jungle philosophy; humans have a right to clear a living space (viz. Sri Isopanisad verse One). We advocate yukta vairagya, or pragmatism in clear consciousness. Srila Prabhupada told the New Vrndavana devotees to use local trees to build houses. He also pointed out that fruit and flowering trees are in the mode of goodness, whereas others in the lower modes can be used for firewood. Still, our compassion and genuine, conscious humility in encroaching on the lives of other entities, is not compromised. To attract people to come to New Ramana Reti, we ‘manage’ grass, weeds, hedges, shrubs, flowers…and trees. With devotional intent, we maintain our property to local standards to encourage visitors. (We also have to adjust the living conditions of bugs, rodents, pets and wild-life to maintain favorable, sattvic conditions for practicing and preaching Krsna consciousness.) Much of the wood removed from these trees is being used to beautify the temple Memorial Garden and walkways.
Mukhya devi dasi: Tree Trimming at New Raman Reti, Alachua.
The two Sycamore trees near the main entrance to the temple property have just been trimmed and reduced by a devotee professional. We consulted with two certified arborists from Gainesville, as well as several devotees experienced in the field. The length of all branches has been halved, and the Spanish moss removed. This was done for three reasons:
To remove the danger of falling branches. (All traffic to the property passes under these trees, and the Charter School buses load/unload there.) Major limbs have not yet fallen from these trees, but after close inspection and considering the threat to human safety their position poses; the decision to trim was made.
To prolong the life of the trees. (Both are in poor health having numerous hollows and structural flaws.) Spanish moss is attracted to unhealthy trees, and these two had an extreme moss infestation. This has two ill-effects: a) Light and air circulation are blocked, inhibiting both the growth of foliage and photosynthesis; the tree cannot ‘breathe’, and b) When wet, the weight a branch has to support in greatly increased, making it more prone to breakage in wind. The situation of these two trees could be compared to that of a tar-covered bird on a beach; in being cleaned, it may lose some feathers, but it will live and fly again.
For looks. Frankly, the lanky, moss-covered, uneven shape of the trees gave one the impression that he was entering, not Vaikuntha (the spiritual world), but an Orlando Spooky Park. Admittedly, now pruned, they are still not attractive but will soon ‘bush out’. (Sycamores are resilient and well-known for coming back vigorously after trimming.)
Mukhya devi dasi: Tree Trimming at New Raman Reti, Alachua.
The two Sycamore trees near the main entrance to the temple property have just been trimmed and reduced by a devotee professional. We consulted with two certified arborists from Gainesville, as well as several devotees experienced in the field. The length of all branches has been halved, and the Spanish moss removed. This was done for three reasons:
To remove the danger of falling branches. (All traffic to the property passes under these trees, and the Charter School buses load/unload there.) Major limbs have not yet fallen from these trees, but after close inspection and considering the threat to human safety their position poses; the decision to trim was made.
To prolong the life of the trees. (Both are in poor health having numerous hollows and structural flaws.) Spanish moss is attracted to unhealthy trees, and these two had an extreme moss infestation. This has two ill-effects: a) Light and air circulation are blocked, inhibiting both the growth of foliage and photosynthesis; the tree cannot ‘breathe’, and b) When wet, the weight a branch has to support in greatly increased, making it more prone to breakage in wind. The situation of these two trees could be compared to that of a tar-covered bird on a beach; in being cleaned, it may lose some feathers, but it will live and fly again.
For looks. Frankly, the lanky, moss-covered, uneven shape of the trees gave one the impression that he was entering, not Vaikuntha (the spiritual world), but an Orlando Spooky Park. Admittedly, now pruned, they are still not attractive but will soon ‘bush out’. (Sycamores are resilient and well-known for coming back vigorously after trimming.)
Source...http://m.dandavats.com/?p=18035
Comments