Ormond tree's removal offers life lesson

Published: Monday, December 29, 2014 at 3:43 p.m. Last Modified: Monday, December 29, 2014 at 10:33 p.m.

ORMOND BEACH For more than half a century, a majestic pine tree provided ample shade on Bob Coxs property.

Bob Cox and son Austin Cox prepare to pull a pine tree to the ground Monday as Allen Cole uses a chain saw to bring the tree down at the Coxes home on Ormond Parkway off State Road A1A in Ormond Beach. Cox had been hoping to transplant the tree but that proved to be impractical.

Now it will serve a different purpose.

A month after Cox made a plea in The News-Journal for help in saving a 22-foot Norfolk pine planted close to his Ormond Parkway home, the tree met its maker Monday.

You see a beautiful tree like that and its sad to see it go, he said. The only consolation is were going to use it and make something out of it.

Cox had hoped to save the tree from meeting its demise after being told it could compromise his front walkway and patio. The tree was planted on the property in 1959.

The 64-year-old said he received several calls from people who also were hoping to save the tree. One woman came to inspect the grounds and determined it would likely be impossible to save the tree because it would be difficult to keep the roots intact.

Allen Cole, however, saw other potential for the pine tree. The Volusia man said hed be able to make several pieces of art from the tree, including wooden bowls and vases, one of which he said hed make for Coxs granddaughter.

I thought, I can make something out of that, said Cole, who is a member of the American Wood Turning Association and has been working with wood for more than 50 years. Im glad I could salvage some of it, anyway.

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Ormond tree's removal offers life lesson