Wordless Wednesday

Trees are the most important organisms

You may have seen my references to trees before. They are the most important organisms on Earth, supplying shelter, food, fuel, and adding water back into the atmosphere after filtering it, preventing erosion, removing air pollutants, as well as providing shade and beauty. I know of no other organism that provides so much for other living organisms. Love them. Please help protect them!

Trees are my most favorite organism. No matter what, trees are important and have an impact. They are also very picturesque. This elm on Ridgecrest just stands out from the rest; in this picture, you can tell it is set apart from the other trees nearby. I remember as a child riding horses on this road....it was narrower and tree limbs hung over and across the road, sort of like riding through a tunnel. A couple of times there was a black snake curled up and/or around one of those limbs, making it seem like I was in a Jungle Book movie and was going to be threatened by Kaa. I was never affected, of course. Even though snakes were once a common site, I never felt afraid of them. Just let them move along and I went on my way as well. Sigh. Don't see them very much anymore 
Wow. Started with trees and ended up on snakes. 

The first day of winter. Finally, the days can start getting longer again. Slowly, minute by minute, the Earth will work its tilt back toward the sun.

I like to lie on my back and look upward. It makes me feel like I'm spinning! Oh yeah, I am spinning! Ha!

Trees in the snow

You can easily see tree form in the winter, but when a bit of snow is added, the branching and lines are vivid. It had only snowed about an hour when this picture was taken this afternoon, barely an inch of coverage, but it's a very heavy snow falling on cold, wet, freezing surfaces. Upon returning from the barn, the top of an old red pine fell, spooking Glori, who took off to the open pasture. And currently, our power is out due, I'm sure around here, to a fallen tree. So I expect to see changes along the trail next time I venture out in daylight. I know I'll be brushing snow off my azaleas and nandinas in the morning. Stay warm and dry, everybody!

Another one bites the dust

Discovered this fallen tree on New Year's during my walk. It's a poplar, and I guess the wind toppled it. It was a vigorously growing tree before dormancy set in, so maybe the roots were not significant enough to hold it. But the one root lying along the ground on the right side is impressive! This one leaves a good size opening for sunlight, to the delight, I'm sure, of small tree seedlings that will be competing for that sun this spring.  I know no tree goes to waste in the forest, but I will miss this stately poplar. In my book, trees are the most important of all organisms on Earth.

Fall Trails

Fall leaves can make walking a trail or path a bit difficult. First off, they hide the trail, making it harder to locate if you're not so familiar with the pathway. But if it has rained recently, leaves also make the path slippery, especially going downhill. I have plenty of ups and downs along the trails around my home! Downed trees can also create a dilemma. Which path is best? Because the leaves hide the terrain, I am unsure which way to start a new path because I don't want to disturb areas where the lady slippers or trilliums tend to bloom, or the soft coating of mosses. Nevertheless, I continue, enjoying the shape of the land and long view of the mountain behind me.

Amazing plants

I am always amazed that plants, especially trees, can grow just about anywhere! This fairly good-sized maple has spread its roots around the boulder, then down into the soil. The mosses and ferns located around the tree base usually take hold first and help break down the rock into sediments, eventually into soil. This tree just couldn't wait for that to happen, so it adapted to its situation and grew!

Recycled trees

We have always enjoyed cut trees from local tree farms for Christmas at my house. This year was a lovely Fraser Fir that held on to its needles the entire three weeks it was decorated in our home. Because it was still so lovely, the week after the holiday when all decorations were removed, the tree was placed on our deck. I think it added a fresh look to the deck. In fact, I have considered getting a live tree next year so I can keep the tree! A few birds used the outdoor tree as a temporary home. They flew away when we exited onto the deck. But, I have now placed the tree in the woods to give better cover to the birds and other animals. I know some people mulch their trees. In Roanoke, the city does the mulching and spreads it throughout town. All of you who use fake trees to conserve trees and your own money, my hat's off to you. I just love the smell of the real thing and am glad to support the local farmers.