Hello lovely humans! As a former BC Forest Service wildland firefighter (7 years) and now a professional gardener, I'd like to weigh in on the fuel break they were cutting along your property line. Yes, fuel breaks are 100% important and necessary, especially around power lines. That being said, I've worked with probably hundreds of firefighters over the years, and ones that knew anything at all about how to properly prune a tree were extraordinarily rare. Fallers and chainsaw operators are trained how to safely fell trees and use saws to create fuel breaks, not how to prune trees. In a wildfire situation, proper pruning methods don't matter - getting the guard created does. You will never win an argument with those guys about saving a tree they think should come down. Taking that into consideration, it might be wise in the future to beat them to it and get an actual tree surgeon to prune the trees along your property line correctly. That way, they will remain healthy and as attractive as possible, while the fuel break is still maintained. While you're at it, you might also get them to look at the trees in your property to ensure there are no dangerous branches or trees that pose a hazard to your home or your safety. About the patty pans: they are absolutely still edible when they're big. If the skin is still soft and they are heavy, not pithy, taste them. If they aren't bitter, use them as you normally would, or grate them up and freeze the shredded squash to use in future recipes. I make an incredible zucchini relish that also works great with patty pans (I often mix the two). I think I might have written you the recipe last year in a comment? Great job with the garden! Remember to keep some strawberries for the grown ups to enjoy, too! You've earned them! Happy gardening!

It’s this just a joy watching Crusoe and Sawyer eat directly from the land.

I am a Canadian grandmother who feels deeply for all people dealing with forest fires. Chris and Maria and all Canadian families affected by the fires know that you are in my prayers. The earth is groaning. May Crusoe continue to only know fire as something to enjoy and not fear. Blessings on everyone affected by disaster of any kind. Hugs from Canada 🇨🇦

What a great experience for Joao to be able to teach you while setting up the garden. It's so nice for young people to be able to share their skills with adults who are eager to learn.

My front yard trees were absolutely butchered with out my permission. One was cut down completely. Simply to appease the home owners association. I think yours was truly tragic and I feel your pain deeply. I am sincerely grateful you were all safe from the fire though!!! Much love to you guys.

Fires happen everywhere. You are lucky you simply lost trees and not your house.

May I suggest you guys replace the tiny greenhouse with a big massive one that will support raised beds so you can grow through the cold season … give seedling a strong start with drip irrigation that way you can setup and forget if you want to go away. You can build from brick and mortar and put bug windows and a green house roof.

The opening segment hurts to watch and I could feel your pain. The rest was pure joy. Your positivity shows in your children. They are happy joyful boys full of adventure! Thank you for taking us along on your journey

Crusoe 's joy from eating strawberries and harvesting the tomatoes and just running around is a joy to watch plus Sawyer's shrieking from glee! I'm looking forward to seeing Sawyer's personality unfold through the screen. Those patty pans are beautiful and huge!!

I absolutely love to see Crousoe ,running so care free ,and how gentle he is with all the bugs he finds with the chickens . Best memories. He will be telling to her future family

So devastating to watch majestic old trees going down, but Crusoe's joy while harvesting vegetables and Sawyer trying to eat a cucumber brought hope and light back.

Wow. And yes your children are amazing. Crusoe "It's NOT scary, it's NOT. It's only fire." My gosh, it floored me. He's so young to be comforting us. God bless. Sorry about the tree, but I agree... in the bigger picture, I suppose safety wins out.

One big consolation....the tree will most certainly sprout again amazingly quickly.

I’m absolutely in awe of the way John can look at a bunch of trees growing in an multi-level rocky outcrop and see how he can build a terrace around and through it 🤷🏻‍♀️and it’s looking great so far. Kudos to him. The pruning of the tree is what it is… everyone will get over it and lessons will be learnt (I.e. not to plant anything or allow anything to grow under power lines) and life will go on. It seems massive right now but in a few years you’ll probably not be worrying over it so much. Love Crusoe’s view on the fire being ‘not scary, it’s just a fire’ which is how a small child should see it. Let’s leave the worry to the adults 😚

The utility companies do the same thing here and most likely worldwide. We have to remember that their job is to quickly and efficiently clear the lines. They do not have the time or expertise to trim them to the landowners taste.

Having survived wildfires in our area of TX, I would rather see them destroy a tree than to see a family and/or their home taken out by a fire out of control. A small loss preventing a big loss. Garden looks very nice.

Sometimes it's needed to create a barrier cleaning flammable debris...Unfortunately with the wind some fires get enormous proportions. Instead of cutting trees, better clean the bushes around. Lots of Luck against the devastation of fire.❤

Tara your garden is incredible, I got tears in my eyes as I could feel your gratefulness. Crusoe loves his fruits and veggies and has learned respect and care, I love it! John you continue to amaze us with your craftmanship and creative vision. I believe you made your support and concerns for being proactive with preventing wild fires and the necessary pruning. I pray no one says anything negative as it would be unnecessary and hurtful. Thank you again for sharing your journey. Lots of love from USA- Cara

One of the worst, hottest, fastest traveling bushfires in Australia was during the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. Over 170 lives were lost. Power lines were involved in the the cause. It is heartening to see how seriously the Portuguese authorities are taking the risk and swiftly taking action to protect you. Trees can grow again, but lives lost can never be replaced. Be safe.

I'm Portuguese and I understand your sadness, I feel the same. It's mindblowing: trees are so fundamental in keeping the planet alive, but at the same time, they have to be cut down in order to keep us safe! It's hard to swallow but it's where we are. We live in very tough times...

Watching that sweet, adventurous boy play, help, and run brings such joy to my heart. Hes precious!

One tip, you may want to cut the important trees under the power lines in Winter so that you can control their shape and growth, before the power line crew comes, you have to understand that these guys have to cut hundreds of kilometers of vegetation under the lines and that they are not in no mood for Niwaki. Some years wildfires in Northern and Central Portugal become a huge problem, the average in a year is around 21 thousand. It depends on the amount of rain during Winter and above all during the Spring, because the growth of plants increases geometrically. Then around the end of July and during August, there are groups of arsonists that move around the Mediterranean countries and select an area or regions and pick the most critical days and set multiple fires at the same time in the same days, mostly on August (holidays) they represent around 27% of the fires. They are critical because they select the worst days, suddenly and mostly in the very windy days, hundreds of fires take off, most of them, coordinated in the time and in the areas, selected carefully with several starting points happening within a few hours. I still remember a few years ago one that was set that had a front of 10 km and ran 20km just in 36 hours. That brush with the yellow flowers that you have there is called retama in Spanish or giesta in Portuguese, it is broom, and it burns fast and strong even when green but if it is dry it is a firebomb.

Here in Canada we have volenteer crews from across the world, the 170 group from South Africa video dancing at the airport went viral… o so blessed with all the love and help … checkout the viral video brings goosebumps

John looks heart broken. Don’t blame him. Trees are so important to all of us. Your garden is so plush. Those big Pattie’s can be stewed with onions, salt/pepper, garlic and butter.

There's no need to apologize, we totally understand how you feel about these trees.

Hello Newby's! As a former landscaper I can say that most people don't know that the city, village, or wherever you live have set-backs and right-of-ways for utilities, most people just want trees planted where they want them which, turns out, doesn't always end well. In the U.S. the tree companies give these guys a little tutorial and send them on their way. Unfortunately, we then end up with the modern sculpture type things that NOBODY likes!!! It is painful to look at and REALLY NOT GOOD for the tree's health. I'm sorry that happened, that tree looks to be around a 20-25 year old Oak that most likely sprouted from seed, and I know those are the trees everyone is wanting to keep where you live. In honor of your tree, maybe plant an Oak with the boys and watch it grow right along with them! The garden is going GANGBUSTERS!!!! Lots of love!

He is the happiest kid i have ever seen on a youtube channel! Well done parents

Crusoe singing while harvesting is so relaxing to watch.

I’m in tears! Ontario and Quebec in Canada are facing wild Forrest fires out of control. BC, Alberta pretty much across Canada. Pray for us as we have 27,000 evacuated and God who knows how many animals have perished … I’m devastated. I came to this country for its wilderness. I know new growth comes from ash and fire, a cycle of life and death.

It's difficult to see such beautiful trees come down and you're absolutely right that it could have been done better. It is like they did a terrible job of pruning because you asked them to be careful, to spite you. The garden is amazing and yes you are very fortunate for your Manager. The amount of produce you are reaping is astounding compared to other youtubers, some of whom have 2 years on their properties, so well done as you say. John the railing is really spectacular. The skill and look of the banisters are on point. Really professional looking. The fire is scary, you have only to see the Indie Project to see fire's devastation.

I live in Northern Portugal by the Sea. I love Trees. When I lived in Ireland I was fortunate to have a Property with Trees. Trees provide us with Shelter and keep the Air clean. They didn't have to Butcher the Trees. Be Inspired what you can grow and provide for your Family. That's where your Joy is. ❤

Trees are precious but we had many old majestic ones go down creating smashed houses and other structures during storms this past year. Firestorms are horrific too. May your vista grow in beauty and joy from the sadness of the destruction of your dear trees.

John & Tara. My heart sank when I watched the Hydro workers axing the trees. We had a similar situation here on our property. The workers explained its to keep the grow back from the wires. Unfortunately, now we too are left with half trees and they honestly look ridiculous. As a result the remaining cedar left on the tree which has been home to many Canadian birds, wildlife and nesting spots is slowly dying. We have called the city in hopes that they will agree with us and do the right thing now by removing them before they come down and hurt someone or damage property and hopefully replace with new saplings that won’t grow as fast or as tall. I love that you were able to get away refresh and come back to us all with hope and vigor. Your both doing such an amazing job, watching your boys grow, running an online experience for us all and homesteading. The gardens are doing great and the bounty your enjoying is proof of that and Johns handy work on the observation deck is fantastic. Looking forward to being able to continue watching you and the little ones. 😎. Oh yeah , loved the Canadian music content you used in your video. 💕🇨🇦

We love Joel, he’s the best. God bless you Joel and your family.

The acknowledgement for Joao (spelling?) was perfect. He seems like a great guy and downright useful and effective. He's one of my favorite "cameo" characters.

Don't fret, you came across perfectly clear. It was very sad to see how the tree had been cut with such a lack of care. I agree with you that it was absolutely necessary that they do the risk management and protect the electrical lines. But the tree was almost cut beyond repair. I hope that it makes it thru such drastic pruning. So grateful to every man and woman that risk their lives to put out the forest fires. My husband served in the Army (and Army National Guard) and for a portion of the time he served, he was a combat engineer. And they would be called up to help with floods, tornadoes, forest fires, and such. Using their bulldozers and backhoes to help combat natural disasters. And I never realized how much work has to be put in to stop these things and prevent them from happening again. Wonderful video. Your family is always in my prayers.

I agree John, it's not why it was done but HOW it was done 😢 Truly happy that fire was put out quickly 🙏 Let's all stay safe from the summer fires🙏

Hi Tara and John, I know it’s sad to loose a tree or part of one as we’ve had to do the same here in Chile where summer forest fires are a yearly event and very dangerous and scary. It’s better to have a corridor protecting your house, electricity, etc. We also have a bag in that season with our passports, cell phone charger etc to quickly grab in case the fire is very close. All it takes is a bit of wind and it gets out of control. I don’t wish that on anyone. Hope that folks on the other side of the mountain are safe and that the bomberos were able to shut the fire down completely. Tara in regards to your huge paty pans, when they get bigger we let them on the plant to get really big and wait until it detach itself from the plant. Inside it you’ll have all your seeds you can clean and dry so you can keep for next year so you won’t have to buy new ones :). It’s a joy to see Crusoe and Sawyer so happy. Wonderful that Joha is helping.. he must be happy to see the results as well. Hugs from Chile and stay safe.

How wonderful to have a child say "It's not scary."

We call the bushes, with yellow flowers, Scotchbloom. Many people are allergic to it. It catches on fire easily when it's dry.

That you are safe, is of paramount importance. ❤ João is a treasure, and we are all so grateful to him for all the help. It goes both ways. You are special humans, so you gather other special humans around you. Thank you for the joy of seeing Crusoe and Sawyer munching the strawbs and zucchini straight from your land. Priceless. Big love to you ❤

I think it was not only the tree cutting the reason for your sadness, but also the fact you guys saw someone trespassing your property and acting freely without your permission nor your presence.

Fire has swept across our mountains behind our house 3 times in our 25 years in this So. California house. It came extremely close once and the copters dropped water directly on our house and yard to save our home. They were much more extensive fires than the one you saw.

It was clear right from the start that you were disturbed by the hacking of the tree rather than the trimming to keep the branches free of the power lines.

That yellow flower is called Gorse which is highly flammable. Gorse looks very similar to Broome but you can buy Broome in loads of different colours.

If the patty pan is an heirloom or open pollinator seed you can save the seeds from the over grown ones and plant them next year! Free seed=free food! ❤

Crusoe definitely living his best life there, a joy to watch!

Love Sawer chewing that cucumber.

I live in the Rocky Mountains and we live with fire danger every day. Make sure you are prepared to bug out in 10 minutes. Better to over prepare and not need it than the alternative. Your pond is looking like an excellent idea.

To grow your own food,and show your kids the life of self survival,is a blessing not all enjoy.Its healthier,saves money ,and brings family life together as God intended.Congratulations,you made an excellent disition to buy the farm.I enjoy very much this time with your family and feel as part of it.Thank you !

I cry every time I hear a chain saw cutting down a tree

What a peaceful and contented life. Idyllic. And the song is lovely.

I just love your family! You care so much for each other, the land, your neighbours etc. Joel truly is remarkable! What a blessing he and his parents are! Also a big thank you for your support to the Portugese firemen and women! 🚒😘

Crusoe always put a smile on my face, especially when he said look at that!😂 God bless you mom and dad ❤

Crusoe is growing so fast , his lovely cartoon voice ❤😂 , he really enjoys cutting vegetables , sawyer ❤ my God time goes fast

Love it, when Crusoe embraces the Pattypan 😌

Sending you guys lots of love and hugs!!! Crusoe you are so cute and full of beans,I am sure your little brother will be doing the same soon. Take care everyone!!!! 🇬🇷 🇬🇷

Your garden is a huge success. All the hard work has definitely paid off.

You can put a hammock from one tree to the other.and make a teepee for kids to play .you have lots of land for a play and relax area.

Sadly I don't think any electric company anywhere employs arborists who will thoughtfully and carefully trim trees that are growing into their lines. I hope your tree survives and that you can take over and care for it as it should be taken care of. The hillside fire is a very sobering event. The recent wild fires in Portugal, Canada and elsewhere around the world are very scary. Another way Mother Earth is telling us to wake up and become stewards of the land, as you both are so lovingly doing on your property. Crusoe's sheer delight in the garden is so precious and I loved seeing Sawyer chowing into that huge cucumber😍💚🤩 Stay safe, be well and see ya next time👋👋👋

Devastating to watch, we spent 3 months travelling through Portugal last year and came face to face with a lot of fires, hectares large. This got us researching a lot and also asking locals. First nugget of information I'd like to spread is how many deciduous trees have an incredible ability to halt fires, their leaves will start perspiration and almost rain causing a humid environment under their canopies and then of course their shading ability covers the dry grassy ground. Pines and Eucalyptus especially are the ones to watch out for. Eucalyptus is so incredibly fire hazardous, infact it thrives in it yet these are grown in mass. I even saw some still standing not far from your land dispite fire management. Once Eucalyptus causes the fire, pines who are rich in resin then fuel it causing it to rage. Brush and gourse are a symptom to a problem. They are pioneer plants who move in where others can't and fix nitrogen into the soil. They also LOVE the sun and can't grow without it so once they are shaded out by larger trees they die out, there is a beautiful documentry on this "Fools & Dreamers" on how Hugh Wilson regenerated a gourse infested land. And lastly and quite shockingly was the fire brigade set up. This is a touchy subject. We came to learn that they are a voluntary service paid on an hourly rate of around €30p/h. Now this certainly doesn't apply to all firefighter but we witnessed how some fires would be left to burn and get larger before intervining because that would mean more hours spent putting the fire out. Like quite literally standing 5 meters away with a fire hose looking at a small fire and doing nothing. We also had locals tell us that some would even start fires on purpose. It's a sad reality if true and makes a bad image for those who are working honestly to save the livelihoods of their neighbour's. We loved our time in Portugal and really hope the goverment put some serious action into preventing fires as their current management system is clearly not enough. There are some amazing groups like Mossy Earth taking matter into their own hands, check them out :)

We live on an island in Greece, and Every year, summertime brings the terror and devastation of fires. Tara, as you say, the bravery and dedication of the young men and women who fight these fires is awe inspiring.

It happens that way here too. A lot of power lines in my part of the country happen to follow property lines and property lines tend to have fences and fences attract birds to perch and perching birds tend to ... poo .. and their poo tends to have seeds in it. Over time the fence line becomes a place for trees and when left to grow unchecked they get into the power lines and have to be brutally trimmed back which is then a shame for the tree that was allowed to grow too large in the first place in a spot that nobody picked on purpose but which was still quite lovely. So, for farmers and ranchers in my neck of the woods I would hope eventually they would learn to keep the trees in pruned and groomed themselves so that they never have to have a visit from the power company.

Baby is so friendly. Love ❤️ to see that big smile 😀

I just love Crusoes enthusiasm and joy of growing food 💙 and Sawyers delight on his face as he comes outside and hears his brothers squeals 💙 such joyful little boys living their best lives 👌

A similar thing happened to a property I owned in Canada but the neighbour was brutal with tree removal and took all of them out so we were left to stare at an empty field. It completely changed the ecosystem and left animals without their habitat. It was heartbreaking.

My buddy worked at a almond facility in central California and cut the lemon trees down like a rose bush, however brush clearering is part of hill living, etc. Fire does not fear us and proudly shows its tentacles.

The prickly cucumbers are for pickling The smooth ones are for salads. That smooth one was ready to pick! Glad you are enjoying your garden.

Sending best wishes for avoiding fires. Those patty pans are so big maybe consider stuffing them and making some kinda of bowl out of them.😊

It's a shame but they are doing to keep you safe, and others.

What a bountiful garden your family has to feast on!

It's almost time for some fried green tomatoes! 😋 They are best when they are just about to turn colors. 👍😋

Your boys are an absolute credit to the two of you, gentle and kind, ‘it’s not scary, it’s only fire’ - so innocent and so precious. I remember my son saying the same sort of thing to me when a car ran into us one evening on our way home from visiting my parents, ‘It’s OK Mum, we’re OK’, he would have been around Crusoes’ age at the time, he’s 34 now and has a little one of his own but I will always remember how comforting those words were from the little boy I love so much 💕💕. 🇨🇦

Beautiful vegetables! Great job! It must be so extremely satisfying to harvest! 👌👌👌 Lovely birdsong!

I Wish that our electric company would trim the trees at the end of the road back a bit harder as every year they manage to short out or worse bring down the cables during a gale. They do it in winter (Jan/Feb) but by autumn have grown back. That looks like Gorse bordering your property, get it cut down or back hard as it's very flammable even when green or wet. I think a stall at a local village/farmers market may be required as you will have a massive surplus of produce soon if not already.

As a townie, who moved to an afforrested mountainous area with electricity lines in the rear field, I was a little naively sentimental about maintenance lopping in the past. I now realise that any pruning is preferential to clear felling which would be cheaper and more efficient for utility companies. The objective is not, or cannot be, to save the tree - it is to keep lines clear. Lopping (however crude) *is* the compromise to clearfelling and *is* the balance between competing needs for which we rely on both. Power companies usually do have the supreme authority to clearfell so I've learned to be grateful that they don't until absolutely necessary. You might consider planting a similar sapling elsewhere to provide future custodians the benefit of what one day this old tree can no longer provide.

I felt your pain for the way they cut the trees. To prevent it from happening again in the future, pay attention, you can be the ones to prune the trees and avoid this unnecessary damage.

The vege garden is amazing. So cool watching Crusoe eat the veges & strawberries with such excitement, then Sawyer joins in. Such a delight to see them growing up in a healthy enviroment. 🥒🥬🍓

Such sweet, happy boys! How blessed you are!

Well, my heart sank at the start of the video at the sight of the trees being cut. Then it was happy again at the sight of Crusoe and Sawyer and your lovely garden bounty. Then it sank again at the sight of that fire. And relief again when it was put out. Now there's an up and down video if I've ever seen one!

Crusoe and Swayer are so, so precious, they are growing up in an environment that every child should have. You have a great harvest, there is nothing better than fresh organic veggies. Keep up the great work 😊

I love watching your kid’s energy growing up with full of life.

I believe the brush with yellow flowers is called Scotch Broom in our area - VERY volatile as the oil filled roots travel far and carry the fire along to smolder underground. Scotch broom is allelopathic, meaning it leaches chemicals into the soil that kills or disrupts the ectomycorrhizal fungal pathways on which other plants rely. Therefore it’s an invasive non-native. I highly recommend you get rid of those on your hillside. We have a local fire where Broom is helping to fuel the fire and 200 people have been evacuated today

😢 I feel you on the tree situation. WOW! The garden is beautiful!

Hello guys! Sawyer is now my favourite Newby! Love his cameos ... eating, smiling, growing!!❣️❣️ Crusoe's wisdom!🙏🏻

Ver hoy vuestro día me ha relajado, hermoso ver el campo dando su fruto y ver a sus hijos disfrutando. Me alegro que estéis bien. Duele cuando la naturaleza llora...la amo !. ❤ Un abrazo fuerte para todos ❤❤❤❤

An absolutely stunning crop of beautiful veggies, congratulations 👏 Crusoe is such a joy,and very enthusiastic to help in all aspects on the farm! 😊💗💗

What a lovely cheerful little baby boy you have here and light green becomes him. I’m in love ❤ British babies look like lovely beautiful dolls 🥰

Hello friends, I am very sorry for the whole tree situation, believe me, I completely understand your sadness. I would feel mighty blue myself if it were me. Portugal is a country very affected by summer fires and this is a situation that you should get used to, I'm affraid. 😢😢😢 Loved to see how delighted both Crusoe and Sawyer were when eating the yummy products of the land. 🙂 Congratulations on the harvest and the abundance! Be happy ❤

I too, love the trees. But I love people more. At times it hurts to see trees come down, but it is hard to stop a fire, or power wires come a part and are live. It will be hot soon and dry. Clean up is always a must.

Love your garden, it’s satisfying to watch it grow and harvest them. Crusoe is always a joy to watch!🙂

Realmente é muito triste ver poda serem feitas de forma indevidas , mas a alegria de ver colher legumes e frutas e ver essas crianças linda sorridentes nesse quintal , horta linda é muito gratificante!!!! Amei,!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Wow, what an episode, on so many levels. It just shows how quickly natures changes, literally before our eyes. I hope you were reassured by Crusoe’s proclamation that it was not scary. I love how the boys just eat everything, and enjoy it, I remember my daughter as a very small toddler would stand and demand ‘abumber Mummy’ - cucumber - which she still eats today in any form. I was especially jealous of your courgettes, yum. Take care, sending hugs x

Crusoe - the pattypan gobler - so sweet! Thank you for this beautiful video - I always find myself smiling throughout!

Your garden is fabulous and the veggies and fruits you’ve grown are beautiful. I’m so thankful the fire was put out. I can understand the incidence with the tree was sad. Hope all is well.

We have the same fire danger here in Oregon. Scott and I have had to cut around twenty trees from around our house to mitigate fire danger. I still miss the smell of the pine out our front door, but I loved that tree so I saved fifteen feet for some project.. With drought, we have lost around 50 trees and our place looks so different.

I got tears in my eyes in the first minute, this is so sad. Forest management is important, in Florida we manage ours throughout the year. Years ago without forest management they would catch on fire every summer. Our power company trims trees the same way, I have started paying to have done correctly. Your bountiful garden is so captivating, my garden is very small, it excites me everyday to harvest my own food nonetheless. Best Wishes.

The boys are growing so fast and what a progress you made in your garden. Missed you all, i don't have the time lately to watch every week, but when i have i'm watching. Just enjoying and relaxing to see how you make something beautiful out there. And John, the terrace looks amazing, nice job again💪👍

Crusoe: *the patty-pans* (running wildly) 🤣🤣🤣 I’m sure the chickens would love the overgrown produce! Such a bountiful life!!! 💕☀️

Hola chicos. Lo siento mucho. Es verdad que duele cuando hacen esas cosas con los árboles. Espero que el fuego se acabara ahí. Un abrazo, corazones❤