and in 1984, you know, with active neighborhood enthusiasm, we planted the meteosidius excelsior tree in front of the house. it didn't come along with any advice or any cautions or any information about what the maximum height of this tree would be. it has reached a stunning height and a huge size, and it was certainly the tree that was planted by the friends of the urban forest. i did not, unfortunately, research it or make any selection at that time. and in early 2010 i was cited by the city for the sidewalk, many, many squares, including the curb, and then i got informed by pg&e they were topping the tree because of the invasion of the overhead wires and i thought to myself how many times we have had to rout out the sewer pipe of roots, lately the plumber has been telling me he's taking roots out. it just seems like such -- the most obvious and perfect solution to plant another tree in that place. of course my own expense. this tree is now 26 years old. you know, the next one, hopefully, will be there as long and trees, you know, mature and age over time and another one needs to co