Front Yard Maple

We have a beautiful maple tree in our front yard. We comment on its beauty regularly - its full shape, lushness, health, how much privacy it affords us, its STUNNING fall colours which absolutely look like the leaves are on FIRE when the sun shines on it. We just love it.

Sadly...it was struck by lightning this afternoon during a brief storm, with one main limb ripping off, taking a third out of the trunk. (See the burn marks in the second photo?) We'll have to cut it down...which breaks our hearts. I find it amazing how much one can adore and love a tree. We'll miss you, gorgeous front yard Maple...