An elderly resident of Redondo Beach, California, became very angry when a 30-year-old tree in front of his house was cut down. He did not complain or fight the authorities. He hatched a plan for revenge.
Three years later, in an open letter to the mayor, the old man revealed his plan. Here is what he wrote to the mayor:
“I am an arborist, a professional in tree preparation and planting. I love trees. I think they are some of the most beautiful, majestic, ancient living creatures on our planet.
I want to tell you a story about death, new life, and revenge.
Three years ago, the Redondo Beach City Council in California sentenced my 30-year-old tree friend named Clyde. They also made me pay for cutting it down and damaging the pavement with the tree.
I loved Clyde. I took very good care of it. I drained the ground for it, made support when it was young and limber, and watched it grow. Clyde’s root system was growing and the crown was getting bigger. It had its own way of life. The Mayor had taken it upon himself to destroy my friend. But Clyde will be avenged…
Mayor Steve Aspel. You killed my child, my friend.
You will pay for this. Two years and seven months ago, I planted 45 redwood trees and 82 giant sequoias in various parks, courtyards, and near government buildings. Today, the root system of these trees has grown to a diameter of 10m. In a few years, they will reach a height of 100 meters and live for over 2,500 years. If you want to get rid of even one tree, it will cost more than $1,500.
Have a good day to you, sir. May your town be full of trees. And may Clyde rest in peace.”
