First, there was a palm tree.

The Chinese Fan Palm (Trachycarpus Fortunei) in the backyard was fighting the Carkeek vibe. It was likely a fun bit of serendipity before it was exposed by the removal of the rhododendron hedge.

Architect Ken Jensen contacted me about my post in the Nextdoor "free things" section. He and his helper, Hamilton, weren't able to get it loose on Friday, so they came back with other tools Sunday and took it out. Then we discovered that it was likely about 300 pounds. With the modest root ball in Ken's wheelbarrow and the tied-up fronds on my hand truck, the three of us tugged and strained and grunted it around the side to Ken's truck in front. Just to promote a successful end, I followed them to Ken's house and helped take it off the truck and plant it in the pre-dug hole.

First, there was a palm tree,

Ken and Hamilton spent an hour working on the tree on Friday. Part of the lower pond had to be dismantled.

...then there was no palm tree...

Success! Now we wondered what do you do if you ever actually catch a palm tree?

Three hundred pounds, at least.

I followed Ken to his house

Then there was.

Ken's house is painted tropical blue. He plans to remove the shady maple to the left.

No more tropical or Chinese trees! Ken mentioned that they had to leave a tap root. He said he couldn't assure me that it wouldn't grow back.