Some species of trees are known to live and thrive for very
long periods of time. In fact some Giant Sequoia specimens are estimated to be
over 3500 years old, although exact age is difficult to determine. Other species have considerably shorter
potential life spans, depending upon the various conditions in which they
exist. Some species of aspen, for
example, may reach an ultimate lifespan of only 30 or 40 years, or less.
The trees of our cultivated forests, however, may have life
spans determined by the intended use of the tree and planned harvest. I like to think that the life of the
harvested tree goes on indefinitely in the shape and form of its intended use. Like the Big Black Oak Tree in the forest
explained to Mari, Lari and Cari ,* in the form of a main log in a great cabin,
or even as a fine piece of lustrous furniture, or the pages of a fine book.
There are other factors that affect the life of trees, however,
and I am now thinking about those factors, such as storms and disease. The giant eighty foot Black Oak that is
standing sentry duty out near the shoreline at our cabin is upper most on my
mind. It is succumbing, gradually, to
the threatening Oak Wilt Disease, which is imperiling our country’s existing
crop of Oaks.
If it were out in the “Forest ”,
it would serve as a fine condominium or apartment structure for our feathered
and furry friends* for years to come.
Unfortunately, even though it has claimed its homestead on our lakeshore
for an estimated one hundred plus years, it does represent a clear and present
danger to piers and boats, if and when it should fall. Consequently, it will probably have to come
down, leaving a large empty spot on both the shoreline and in our hearts.
The shoreline, I am sure, will recover as nature always does,
if properly nurtured. We too, will
recover when we take advantage of the many cords of firewood which will serve
to warm both the cabin and our hearts for several years to come. Such is
Nature-you take care of it and it will take care of you.
- reference
to the Big Black Oak’s message to the little pine trees in “Gee! A Story
From A
