There's a 75-ft. tree coming to a neighborhood near me. Actually it's a 75-ft cell-phone tower that will be disguised as pine tree. And chances are, there's one near you too.

Most people in that neighborhood aren't happy about this tower-tree. Like many people who live in enclaves that cherish their centuries-old homes and historical landmarks, a cell phone tower promises to wreck havoc with their old world charm and property values.

Undoubtedly, similar controversies are playing out (or have already played out) at suburban town council meetings throughout the country. Residents gripe, cell phone company representatives placate and city officials do their best to split the difference. In this case, the difference are often tower-trees, and they happen to be pretty funny-looking.

For one thing, a 75-ft. pine tree in this going to stand out in this part of town. This'll stand out, because there aren't any pine trees for miles around. Instead, the proposed tower-tree will loom some 25-ft above the grove of cottonwoods in that area and blend in about as well as the Jolly Green Giant taking root.

As it turns out, there are several interesting photo series on the web gave me an idea of what to expect. They can be found on the web here, here, and here. In fact, there's even a coffee table book.

It's clear that some tower-tress blend seamlessly into the landscape, while others look downright silly. And while they aren't pretty, at least they aren't blatant eyesores either.

The effort is apparent, even if it doesn't always succeed. For instance, they've developed tower-trees to mimic several different species: Pines, palms, even a Saguaro cactus. They might also look like water towers, grain silos, and boulders.

Now, I can understand why people don't want a cell phone in their backyard. They are pretty obnoxious and certainly mar the landscape. But if they were building one in my backyard, I wouldn't make a fuss. (Of course, they did build one in my neighborhood several years back, an ugly metal structure that looks nothing like a gangly, steel pine tree.)

But when it comes down to it, cell towers are one of the rare instances when I'll sacrifice aesthetics for convenience, even if they do stick out like the proverbial sore thumbs. Environmentally incorrect as it is, I want to hear you now. No matter where I am.

Gimme a strong, reliable signal any day — especially when I'm driving down a dark road in a remote part of town.