Arboreal Destruction

Precipitation of varying velocity and winds of unwavering ferocity beset the day.

This morning we drove to the outskirts of Burley and back.

It is not unusual to be held up by tree cutters carrying out routine arboreal management. This is perhaps more frequent at the moment, as the unrelenting recent series of storms have taken their toll.

Here, on Holmsley Road, overhanging branches were being lopped . Especially in the pouring rain, I do sympathise with the men supporting the Stop/Go lollipops. I hope they take it in turns. Jackie let me out of the car when we were stopped and took the first photograph through the windscreen before passing the barrier. I walked, and took the second. The men were somewhat concerned that I might not stay on my feet.

The gentleman doing the lopping was happy to pose for a rear view.

Further along the road I wondered whether that team had earlier attended to this fallen tree

which attracted a trio of ponies seeking fresh nutriment from the lichen coated branches.

The last time I photographed this dead oak tree with its fungus and lichen on Bisterne Close it was standing firm.

It stands no more,

its shallow roots ripped into open air. This giant will now gradually take its part  in the maintenance of the forest ecology, feeding insects, plants, and soil for years to come.

Given its position on the verge it did well to fall away from the road.

The rain really hammered down on our return home. A group of stoic ponies alongside  Holmsley Passage simply stood and bore it.

This evening we dined on second helpings of Hordle Chinese Take Away’s excellent fare with which Jackie finished the Sauvignon Blanc and I finished the Shiraz.

 

82 comments

  1. Trees … it is always sad to see an old tree topple over, yet you are right in saying that they go on giving even after death. I have enjoyed this rather poignant look at trees.

  2. I agree with Anne. I’m sad about trees that have fallen or been chopped done, but you very eloquently expressed how they live on in a way, and by their deaths, enable other species to continue.
    Those rain-drenched ponies looked to me like they were also covered in something like the tree, but greyish, instead of green.

    We’re having leftover Chinese food as well tonight. 🙂

  3. I’m rather glad that we are simpatico on the lollipop men – you highlight something that has lain barely dorment in my psyche regarding these chaps for a very long time. I am even gladder to be back in this realm. You are the first post I have read in a horribly long time. Bienvenue moi?

      1. How wonderful to ‘see’ you, dear Peggy! I can’t explain how much your comment means to me and how glad I am that you read comments. There will be more to follow but for now I am content to reconnect with the great and the good in this sphere who, it turns out, I have missed like a hole in my heart!

  4. Oh wow, the rain just doesn’t give up for you. Sad about the trees, but glad the ponies can enjoy some nourishment. Feeling for those stoic ponies in the deluge.

  5. I do like how your country allows the fallen trees to remain, here they are chopped up and removed. It seems there has been a late onslaught of winter in your part of the world. We have a shy little summer peeking in warily…….

  6. It is good that the tree fell as it did. I’ve read that foresters and tree-trimmers are near the top of the list of dangerous professions. I was glad to see the fellow cutting rigged up with proper gear. I did ponder having a chain saw hanging from my belt. Those guys are strong.

  7. There’s something sad about fallen and felled trees. The gales have done their worst lately.
    I also had leftover Chinese yesterday! No wine though!

  8. You’ve had quite the storm! The toppled trees reminded me of the scenes after cyclones in northern Queensland. Over here,they are mostly left to decay, unless they are blocking roads, or sitting atop someone’s house or car.

  9. Dead trees, fallen trees or trees that have to be cut down…that make me sad. But, that is part of life. And so many things in nature can go back to the earth to help new life to grow. So, that’s good. 🙂
    When I see tree-trimmers-cutters I admire their courage and skill. And I worry about them falling. 😮
    Aw, the poor ponies! I’m sure they would like to have their soaked hair dried by a warm sun.
    HUGS!!! :_)

  10. It’s excellent management to leave the fallen trees to feed the insects, plants, and soil. Let’s hope that it catches on elsewhere as an idea.

  11. Poor ponies! Hope good weather comes soon so that they can dry out. That’s a lot of trees that have been uprooted by the bad weather. Nice that they are left for the woodland creatures to use.

  12. The weather is playing havoc with everything just lately. We can ill-afford to lose any more trees from our landscapes and standing deadwood is such a special environment in its own right. I still enjoyed your arboreal story ?

  13. Every year in Australia we hear of someone being killed by a falling tree. One problem is that after a very dry spell a sudden downpour means that a tree will drink up tons of water and the branches become too heavy to survive.
    Great photos Derrick – specially liked the dead tree with all the fungus growing up the side.

  14. I think it’s splendid that you found a photo of that same tree from earlier when it was upright. I am impressed that you take the time to find it and show us. I think often about how certain scenes look different than the last time I shot them, and I think “my, wouldn’t it be a fun blog post to put them all together to compare,” and then… I don’t do it. Bravo for following through.

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