PHOTOS: A eulogy to East Dallas trees

A downed tree in Lakewood caused by Sunday’s storm. (Photo by Lisa Kresl.)

Dear trees,

We all watched with dread as the mighty winds of Sunday’s storm beat relentlessly upon your stiff and gnarly branches.

That dread turned to alarm when you came to rest upon our streets, houses and power lines. You caused thousands of power outages. But when the cleanup is done, we will miss you.

We’ll miss the shade you provide from the heat and the greenery you provide to our concrete jungle. All the critters that called you home will be sad to see you go, too.

May your saplings grow as tall and as large as you.

Love,

Lakewood and East Dallas

Sunday was a rough day for trees. City of Dallas officials said about 200 came down because of 70 mph winds that accompanied a storm that moved through the city around 1:30 p.m. Tree debris — including leaves, branches and trunks — littered lawns, sidewalks and streets throughout the neighborhood.

The debris didn’t cause any injuries, officials said, but one person died and six were injured when high winds from the storm caused a crane to collapse into an Old East Dallas apartment complex.

Dallas Fire-Rescue responded at about 2 p.m. to Elan City Lights at 2627 Live Oak St. after a crane at a neighboring construction site collapsed on top of the five-story building.

One person was killed in an apartment, and six were injured, fire spokesman Jason Evans said. Two people were taken to the hospital in critical condition, and two were in serious condition. Another suffered a minor injury.