The trees this year have taken their sweet time turning, but I'll have whatever they give us because it's my favorite season. For some reason the Beech trees seem to be some of the most beautiful specimens around the property. Tall, healthy and long-lived, each tree is absolutely perfect. The landscape would be incomplete without them.
I was having a long discussion with a loved one about old-growth trees and how vital they are to the ecosystem. We recently noticed that a couple of neighbors have had the impudence to cut down such trees on their properties, much to our horror. There is nothing worse than seeing large healthy trees being cut down, and left sitting in great, big heaps waiting to be chipped. I can't think of any good reason, other than having a diseased or dead tree, to remove an old-growth tree just to tear down a home and perhaps erect a larger "stately" home. It's extremely unsightly.
Making my way around the property, I've noticed that certain things have remained the same over the years, while others have changed dramatically. Diseased trees have been removed, many other specimens have been planted by the dozen throughout the field, and the healthier trees that have been here for decades are very prolific with nut production. Acorns and black walnuts are everywhere.
Our weather has been erratic here in the Northeast. Some days are cool, brisk and windy, which should be the case on any given November day, and yet, other days feel like early September. Warm and humid days don't seem right in November.
How is it where you live?
You can see some examples of the reforestation that is going on here. Saplings get extra protection from the elements and the wildlife with those sturdy wraparound tree guards, also known as tree shelters.
Standing in this area and looking down onto the driveway is something I love to do when the foliage is changing. Each tree is different and every specimen takes its time.
One thing I've always been taught is to respect mother nature. From the time that I was little, my parents, especially my father, instilled in us to always be mindful of not littering, disturbing the wildlife or spoiling our trees. I can still remember helping dad plant apple, apricot and peach trees in our backyard decades ago. It was my job to help water them when they needed it and to feed them accordingly.
In fact, dad has always been a proponent of planting, caring for, and respecting trees, so that further generations can benefit from them. My hope and wish is that you get to plant a tree or two in the coming year, and help maintain any older trees that you may possess.
Respecting mother nature is something I will always do.
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