I'm sure you've heard the saying that when we plant a tree, we plant it for our grandchildren. Because trees grow slowly we rarely see the results of our efforts. However, white pines grow quickly, as trees go. Take the one above, for example. I know exactly how long it has taken for it to reach this size. That's because I discovered it in 1992 when I ran over it with the lawnmower. So, 19 years ago, it was four inches high.
Here's another observable growth. See where my shadow is pointed? Pretend that I could continue to walk straight ahead. Just two years ago, my trail- the path I mow- went between those two trees. Now, it would be a project to push through those branches.
This news isn't so positive. This view from summer 2009 shows some of the babies back by the railroad tracks. The one on the far right
Deer will eat white pine in the winter, if they can't find anything better. I haven't had too much trouble with this, but one of Bambi's cousins developed a taste for Pinus strobus this winter. I think it will survive, but it's certainly not going to be the lovely, healthy tree that it was for quite a few years.
Sigh.
 | See Baby Trees in Winter Dress
See The Trees are Growing |
4 comments:
Well, I guess it was a tough winter, Joan, and the deer couldn't find anything better to eat. No tender young shoots of anything in that snow!
They can only survive by eating this.
Poor them.
that last one resembles a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, too bad. I've always like white pines because of their soft needles.
Carmen- actually, there was grain in the next field- provided free by the co-op. I guess this deer just wanted salad.
rainfield- I'm told that if you are a deer it's quite a delicacy... although they like white cedar better.
Ann- yes, it's pretty sad now.
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