Monday, March 7, 2016

TREES HAVE BIRTHDAYS TOO



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  Forest “.  Do you remember?  www. gee! a story from a forest

No comments:

Post a Comment