Trees are tough. This week on MyWoodlot.com, Stefni Krutz shares examples of trees that are alive and well (mostly), despite some ghastly injuries or harsh growing conditions. Don’t look if you’re squeamish.
It’s amazing what trees can live through and still continue to grow. Trees that are completely hollow retain the living cambium and can continue to grow for many years. Injuries that would be expected to end the life of an individual are overcome by the desire to live.
This tree twines on itself like a double helix but still carries a full canopy of leaves
The rot and subsequent breaking of the trunk would have been expected to end this tree, but it continues to live and grow.
This sugar maple is hollow with a twist, but survives and thrives.
Despite a peculiar growth angle and roots inhibited by the rock it’s chosen to grow on, this tree is just fine.
Girdle me if you dare, I shan’t die!
You might expect a bole that looks like this to be a stump but…
Is it alive? Well…
…you betcha. Although it’s top is also missing.
Turn damage from log skidding likely caused the initial injury to this tree, but…
…these twins are still growing
Beech bark disease has given way to infestations which in turn were pecked out, but the beech has a full canopy of bright green leaves.
The survival instinct is strong even among trees. Do you ever see trees in the woods that surprise you when they are still alive? Feel free to share them with us on the MyWoodlot forum?
