During each winter I trim our trees and bushes. Pear trees, Crape Myrtles, Red Plums, azaleas, etc... I look back at the choices I have made over the years. Each time a branch is trimmed or a limb left on I have guided the tree in a new direction. The grass seed sown last Fall is starting to sprout. The decisions made a season ago are having consequences. Some good, Some bad.
When I first acquired this property the landscape was in complete disarray. The choices were relatively simple. Cut and chop or let it die. But now I can no longer be reckless. Each cut requires thought and care. I have to consider the entire tree and the land around it. No branch can be considered apart from its environment. In some sense I must care for the landscape as it will be, and not so much as it is. Especially the youngest of the crape myrtles. They are so wild and tender. Every single choice, even the passive ones, will have lifelong consequences.