Funny story: Old man gets revenge on town that cut down his beloved tree

Trees are important to the environment and often, they are very important to the people that care about them — especially when they are threatened. There have been many instances in history where people have fought to protect a group of trees or even an individual tree.

When an old man found out that the town of Redondo Beach, California was going to cut down his 30-year-old tree, he became angry, to say the least. Why would they cut down such a healthy, beautiful tree?

He began to plan his revenge and then wrote an open letter to the mayor of Redondo Beach revealing what he was doing.

The fictional story was soon read and celebrated by thousands — this man certainly taught the town a lesson!

Here’s what the old man wrote to the mayor of the town:

Hi,

I’m an arborist. This means I am a professional in the cultivation, management, and study of trees. I love trees. I think they’re some of the most beautiful, majestic, ancient living beings on our planet.

Today I am here to tell you a story of death, new life, and revenge. Three years ago today, the city council of Redondo Beach California ordered the death of my 30-year-old pepper tree.

Its roots had begun to penetrate the pavement in front of my house. The city noticed and issued the death warrant of my tree. They furthermore made me pay for the damages to the sidewalk and for the tree removal.

I loved Clyde. I’m beginning to get older, and planting something that I knew would live well beyond my lifetime was something very special. I took very good care of him. I drained his soil, I gave him a crutch to lean on when he was a young lad, and I watched him grow.

Just as Clyde was becoming a strong healthy individual, expanding his root system, developing a canopy, and making his own way in life, the mayor took it upon himself to uproot my beautiful child. 

But Clyde will be avenged…

Mayor Steve Aspel. You killed my child.

For this, you will pay. Two years and seven months ago, I secretly planted 45 California Redwoods and 82 Giant Sequoias in various parks, yards, and state properties around your city.

Today, each of their root systems will be at least 30 feet in diameter, and deeply embedded in the soil. You may have noticed the trees growing in front of city council, or that new one that sprouted up in your backyard. That’s a Giant Sequoia, and its growth will begin accelerating rapidly in the coming months.

You killed Clyde, but I have replaced him with over 100 living giants. And giant they will become. In a few years, they’ll begin breaking heights of 100-300 feet and live well beyond 2,500 years. That’s way longer ago than Jesus was born.

To remove even one of them at this point will cost well over $1500… And I’m stiffing you with the bill, just like you did to me 3 years ago today.”

Good day to you, sir. May your city be overrun by trees. And may Clyde rest in peace. 

Like and share this post if you appreciate this arborists creative revenge! Please leave a comment on Facebook and let us know what you liked about his plan.