A few trees fell on us when we lived in our former home. A couple were relatively small, arbor vitae that our chain link fence managed to hold mostly upright. Two were huge, though. One was an American elm that fell across and into our in-ground pool, smashed a shed and the diving board, and landed with its apex just a few feet from the back porch. The other was an even larger oak that caused minor damage to three properties, including taking out a good section of our fence.

Another big tree came down in that neighborhood one summer, falling right between but not harming two houses. However, it did land on somebody’s car, and it ripped out the power lines, including at least three utility poles. That was a big storm that caused a lot of damage, so the repair crews are overwhelmed. The neighborhood was without power for four or five days, as I recall. During a heat wave. Thankfully nobody was hurt, but it was a miserable week for everyone!