The Arizona desert is a hostile environment filled with thorny plants and lots of nasty critters such as rattlesnakes, scorpions, centipedes, Gila monsters and more. I have a Mesquite tree in my back yard that I dread trimming because I know every time I go out there it's going to hurt. It occasionally drops branches that are hard to see if you are not watching where you walk. I have stepped on these numerous times and last year had one break off in my foot and I had to have surgery to get it removed. All 3 of my kids have been nailed by this tree and now don't go on that side of the yard. I had to do battle today with this tree and once again, I lost. The only payback I have is using the branches for firewood and on the grill.
