Short trip, huge operation for the 4500 kg. 200 years old tree

Last Sunday morning after a short discussion we decided not to replant the old tree (we got as a gift) by the people who were willing to do it. Phatsamon did not feel comfortable with it and after a chat we decided to cancel the operation we already organized for last Monday. 
We wanted to have a kind of second opinion because we really want this tree with many (family) memories survives. 

This is a very old tree already and we wanted the work to be done by people who are specialized in this kind of operations and, although very positive and willing people, not by a digging machine and a crane.

So we took Sunday and Monday to find (and buy) some wonderful plants and to start our search for specialists. We visited several shops and the nice thing in Thailand is that if people are not sure to do a job they always know somebody else who has more expertise. 

Finally, Monday during lunchtime, we found a specialized center in Surin. Phatsamon had a long chat and walked around while I stayed in the car with Kadhow. The lady, for me, did not seem to be very interested and I think she was more in the mood of selling one of the trees waiting for a new owner at her land. So... now I did not feel good. 

We decided to got to Prasat, Surin province, around 40 km away from our building site. We passed that place a couple of times on our trips from Chiang Mai to Surin. 
Because of the distance, at a certain moment, I wanted to make a U-turn and go back home. Phatsamon wanted one more turn to go so that's what we did and... guess what. There was the wonderful Tree Center. We drove in and several ladies gave care to around 300 waiting great trees. Very friendly, people with understanding and knowledge who took the time to give us advise. Kadhow felt great at the place running from tree to tree and rolling in the wet grass.

For me the energy surrounding me and the way of care taking nearly made me emotional. What a peaceful and high energetic place. 

So we made arrangements and, surprise, they could do the job already today. 

7 Workers (including the captain of the team) worked 6 hours to finish the job. Digging by hand! because a machine should damage the root system too much. In a professional way the tree was trimmed. This took about two hours by two men. 

Around 4500 KG the crane on the truck had to carry and this people showed what teamwork is and how to stay calm (working in 43 degrees C). 
Cows were our spectators today.

People who work for or with us are our guests so they got several drinks and a nice lunch. Kadhow took care of guarding (but with the temperatures also several times went to sleep under the container. 

After the job was done, our brother in law, again was so kind to fix and restore the land where the tree once, for many years, lived. 

We picked up fertilizer and special root grow (excelerator) and the company promised to keep an eye on the process so will visit us a couple of times. 

The care taking now is in our hands. We got a lot of instructions and will do it. 

April is the best month here to replant trees because it is spring and rainy season is on its way. In a couple of weeks the fields (soil) is too soft so trucks cannot work anymore on the land. 

We try to do all our best and keep you posted. 


Find the (many) pictures of today: 

Frans Captijn
e-mail: pyramidhousethailand@gmail.com