Russian Elm: the self-trimming tree

Late this morning, the sound of something large and crashing interrupts my train of thought. I step outside, and this Russian Elm tree notorious for falling branches, deposits probably the largest one yet onto the wood deck.

While some oak trees in the area here have fallen due to some insect larvae infestation, the Russian elm just does this naturally. Fortunately it makes for a nice renewable kindling and firewood source! The dogs, Rusty and Andrew, are seemingly unfazed -- excited even.

"Bark, Bark!" Pulling his favorite ball from the newly arranged foliage and dropping it at my feet, Andrew the dachshund uses his surprisingly 'big dog' voice to insist that I kick it back in.