This post is for my benefit: like a bookmark in time so I can look back and see how things were...
My favorite tree died this spring. An elm that succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease. It was right in front of the house, so beautiful and shady. Years ago Clancy and I decided where to build the house based on the placement of that elm tree. We knew it would likely die from DED before it got too old, but I was hopeful. I thanked God every year that tree leafed out in the spring... and I mourn its loss. But we have plans to remove the dead tree and plant another tree in about the same spot next spring.
Below is the other elm tree that was located right outside our back door. It also gave us lovely shade. Again, we expected to loose it eventually to disease, but storms took it first. It lost a huge portion of its top last year in a severe storm, and just the other day it lost another significant portion. It will be removed this winter. We'll plant something else there, but put it a little farther away than this one was.
Here is my favorite walnut tree that a friend gave us as a seedling. We must have put it in the perfect spot because it has grown by leaps and bounds.
Here is the other walnut sapling we planted at the same time. It was a bit smaller to begin with, but it is in a very shady spot and I think it might need more sun to really take off.
Last, but not least, our great old white pines along the shore. Most of these trees are doing very well. The oldest and biggest one (far left) is dying off quite dramatically at the top. It is a common problem in white pine. So I also thank God for every year I have with this grand old giant.
My other tree photos wouldn't load today so I will post a sequel soon.
5 comments:
I found myself a bit surprised at how sad I feel about leaving the trees that I planted when I move from my place...
I think one of the first things that I will do in my new home (wherever that may be!) is plant a tree.
I have favorite old trees too. Sorry about your elms :-/.
I love white pines. I didn't know they have a tendency to die off at the top.
We had trees given to us as a wedding gift shortly after we moved to our current farm. It's heartbreaking to think of losing them.
I really like the way you've added the little sunny spot at the peak of your house.
I was surprised how many comments this post generated. Trees really are a huge part of our lives. They are alive, and yet stationary...so we tend to expect them to always be there for us.
Becky, white pine blister rust is the disease that is affecting our old pine. Healthy trees can usually defend themselves against infection. It is stressed trees that get it. It looks like the top of our tree was struck by lightening once-no wonder as it is the tallest tree around. Blister rust is carried by currents, so it is not a good idea to plant them if you have beloved white pines nearby.
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