Crow’s Nest: Sizzle and shade

By Daniel Barringer, Preserve Manager.

Another blistering day just beginning: I was reminded as I wished for more shade in our yard, that the best time to plant a tree is “years ago.” The second best is as soon as you can…

Below, a walnut tree that is not a particularly nice specimen, but sometimes saving a tree is as good as planting one. The tree had many unsightly dead limbs which we removed. For what it’s worth, the circular callouses that developed years later around each cut are a sign that despite the large number of them, these are proper pruning cuts that allow the tree to compartmentalize the opening with living tissue.

In the beech woods, a peaceful view of the trees with an eye watching over things. This too is a site where a branch had been that the tree has sealed over with new growth.

And here’s a photo I’ve been holding onto for months for such a season as now, coming through a week in the upper 90’s. Hope that helps!