In the back yard of the existing lot, there is an old apple tree.  I grew up with this tree, and have fond memories of climbing it and eating the apples.  It doesn't fruit generously every year like it used to.  There are some dead sections, including one that broke off dramatically about 15 years ago.  My parents have thought ever since then that the tree was unhealthy, and expected it to be removed in preparation for the new home being built.  I had to get an arborist report anyway, and they gave the tree a look.

I was pleasantly surprised that the arborist felt the tree was in good shape and just needed some trimming.  Their company wanted to do the work, which isn't cheap.  I put it off, and heard from a co-worker about another tree service who was worthy of recommendation, specifically for fruit trees.  But I'm glad I waited on it, because I remembered the Portland Fruit Tree Project, a nonprofit who helps tree owners learn how to care for their trees, and shares the harvest.  The tree is now registered with them, and I'll be taking a class on tree care on June 4th.  Not only will the tree be saved, but so will its fruit, it will help build community, and it won't cost a lot to maintain.

Some smaller trees will probably be removed, and others will be trimmed.  I'm looking into the local organizations that salvage wood from trees in the city, so some of this wood will go to use besides just firewood.  So far, I've found Urban Timberworks and Urban Hardwood Recovery.  I'd like to make some sort of furniture for the new place using this wood myself, but I'm sure there will be more than I can use.  The garage is an old log building that will need to be removed too, so maybe a tree salvage service would be interested in its materials.  Most likely, though, I'll have to research what nonprofit groups do salvage demolition.