When two ash trees had to be taken down in 2021 due to disease, Jim and Jayne Meyer decided to turn that negative into a beautiful positive in their yard at 361 4th Ave N in Casselton.

“The boys and I thought of doing something cool with a wood carving,” says Jim, who prepared for the carving by having the tree topped off at 12 feet instead of complexly removing it. His friend suggested that he contact Andy Lake of Glyndon, MN to check out their front yard tree.

After some creative thinking, the Meyers decided to make their tree patriotic by having it carved into an American eagle. Jim says they first thought they might make it into a yeti, the small “manlike” animal, not the insulated mug.

“We thought of the kids on the school bus looking at it,” added Jim. “Hopefully they can feel proud.”

If you ever have a moment, stop and check out all the intricate cuts made with his chain saw., says Jim. The project took Lake about 3 days to complete.