Jon, with the help of a 24-foot extension ladder, tractor and boom truck being controlled by Rodney on the ground was able to get high enough to cover the hive entrance with screen, cut the limbs above the hive and then secure a chain around the tree above the hive for lifting. They tightened the chain and began to lift while Jon cut below the hive. We made our best estimation as to where to cut and had a board, bee suits, containers and plans prepared in case we accidentally cut into the hive, the tree collapsed, fell or any other issue arose. Luckily, no hive was cut and the tree hive remained intact and was lowered by the boom truck and maneuvered into our trailer. The section of tree is approximately twelve feet long and twenty-inches in diameter. We unfortunately did have to lay the tree down to safely transport it in our trailer, risking damaging the hive. We secured the tree and were off. There was certainly some jarring and movement along the way and we are hopeful that the comb did not break and no bees were hurt.
This was a beautiful reassurance of kindness, compassion and goodness. People; strangers coming together, working side by side in an effort to do this for only one reason. The bees. It was all in a grand effort for them. Now we wait. Wait with hope and love for the next warm, sunny day and wish for the bees to emerge, safe, strong and healthy. And the bee tree will remain a symbol of our commitment to and love for them.