I’ve been in an 18-year love-hate relationship with a black walnut tree(胡桃树) .

It’s a unique tree. In late September or early October, falling fruits as hard as baseballs threaten the skulls(头骨) of you, your children, your neighbors and those that reside next door to them. Umbrellas in the yard area must while dining in early August, and as for me, I wear my bike helmet while working in the garden.

The black walnut also releases a chemical substance through its roots as a competitive strategy. It’s poisonous to several common plants. There have been many new plant species that I brought home with hopes that maybe the black walnut would accept them, but they failed to flourish.

What does work are native plants that naturally grow in the area. Native plants are important to have around since they provide beneficial pollinators(传粉者) like birds, bees and butter l lies with seeds and contribute to a healthy and biodiverse environment. Native plants for this area are generally easy to grow, so they experience less stress.

Have I thought of getting rid of this giant pain in my tiny backyard? Yes, however, getting rid of this tree standing at 50 feet with an 87-inch trunk is next to impossible. It’s also protected under the law. Rightfully so. Trees are important to the urban forest and for all of those that inhabit it.

Sometimes I think about my life without the black walnut I can’t imagine a spring without the birds who arrive every year and loudly sing their songs before dawn. I’d miss falling asleep on lazy weekend afternoons as I look up into its leaves.

Every spring, I wonder what the season holds: What are the chances of being knocked unconscious while barbecuing? Like any good relationship, I’ll never be pleased. I’m stuck with this tree, so I’ll listen to its needs and give it the space it requires. In return, my walnut offers a habitat for wildlife and a reminder.

【小题1】Why does the author wear a bike helmet while working in the garden?

A．To protect the injured skull.	B．To reduce the chance of a bee sting.
C．To prevent herself from sunburn.	D．To avoid being hurt by the nuts.

【小题2】What is the tree’s survival strategy?

A．It attracts beneficial pollinators.

B．It lets out poison to drive away pests.

C．It produces a chemical deadly to some plants.

D．It competes for nutrition with similar species.

【小题3】Why does the writer have a love-hate relationship with the tree?

A．It offers a shelter but out competes all native plants.

B．It takes up much space but helps new plants survive.

C．It is home to numerous birds but has hard fruits.

D．It gives off an attractive smell but makes barbecue impossible.

【小题4】What does the writer want to convey through the passage?

A．It’s better to give than to take.

B．Building a relationship is troublesome.

C．Trees and plants have their own ways to flourish.

D．Acceptance, instead of resistance, is the better way to be.