Woman Told To Cut Down Century-Old Tree On Her Property Turns it Into Work of Art Instead

Sara Sanders owns a 110-year-old cedar on her property in Everett, Washington. When the tree proved to be a road hazard, with falling limbs causing road blockages, city officials told her to cut it down.

Heartbroken, Sara was all ready to say goodbye to the 120-foot-tall century-old tree when she had an idea. Contacting chainsaw artist, Larry Carter, they worked together to transform the iconic tree into a thing of beauty.

Sara Sanders was told to cut this beautiful cedar down.

She bought her property 17 years ago solely because of the towering tree, and now instead of cutting it down, she saw her chance to make an impact on the community.

She teamed up with Larry to create a work of art that anyone in the neighborhood could use.

They turned the cedar into a mini library!

Sara, who always loved wood carvings, directed Larry to turn his expertise to shaping the tree into a little library.

“I think many people are not reading anymore. I think that it’s important,” Sara said.

When the tree library was completed, Sara put an initial dozen books inside. The library even features a bear with a message board.

Sara named him Charlie.

Sara included some of her favorite mystery novels into the mix. Going out to take a look from time to time, she noticed dozens of people started to check out the books.

She’s even seen someone trying to find a book at night with a flashlight.

The cut-down cedar eventually took on a life of its own in the neighborhood. Children frequently came up to pat Charlie and choose a book to read instead of playing with electronic devices.

The neighborhood library tree.

Sara’s sorrow at having to get rid of her beloved cedar has been replaced with joy at seeing her community make full use of the library it has become.

Watch the video here: