Once the street was cordoned off, the tree cutting crew quickly set up for the operation like an ant colony. Unloading tools of the trade as they do every day, they brought out chainsaws, gasoline, ropes and blowers. A huge crane was brought in to ensure the operation would be done in a safe manner.

Chippers and hauling trucks were all set up waiting to accept the wooden material and debris. The operation was now in place and ready for the day's immense tasks that lie ahead.

Amazingly, the tree climbers gracefully scaled these trees, selectively limbing each branch with chain saws as they ascended. As the branches dropped, the workers down on the ground at the base of the trees looked like scurrying orange beetles foraging for food on a forest floor. As they kept a close eye on each branch that was severed, they carefully grabbed each one of the cut pieces and dragged them towards a loud chipping machine that quickly shredded the branches.

The hauling trucks were quickly filled with wood chips to be given another life elsewhere. The larger diameter pieces were set aside for more cutting.

Once limbed, the remaining trunks were held up by the crane as the lengths were cut up in thirds and each section carefully maneuvered by the operator as they were lowered to the ground. While this occurred, all the crew members on the ground stood still and out of harms way. The huge timbers were then picked up from the ground by a grappling arm that grabbed the heavy pieces of wood and stacked them one by one onto a waiting logging truck.

As the last of the Poplars was felled and the crew left the site without incident, I breathed a sigh of relief but I also felt a bit of sadness since the life of these great giants has now come to an end. The building with all of its majestic qualities is now totally visible for all to see as the Architects and Planners originally intended. Of course, there will soon be new trees and landscaping to replace the old Poplars but I imagine these grand old trees will be dearly missed.