I was close enough yesterday that I heard a “crunch.” When I investigated I discovered that one of my favorite trees at the Dungeness Recreation Area had suffered a devastating failure.
Fully half the tree collapsed. No great wind did it. When I looked through the shrubbery that surrounded it I saw massive rot around its base. Time had taken a toll.
This is one of our native willows — there are three types around here. They are relatively short-lived. Two types, the Pacific or red willow and the Sitka, live in moist soils as this one does. The Scouler or fire willow is a third that is common and also given to wet sites.
The recreation area staff expects to start clearing these branches away today. I hope the remaining upright portions of the tree can remain…if it’s safe. I’m glad no one was nearby when this occurred.
This is one of my favorite trees. I have featured it before. This link will take you to a series that featured it in several seasons. And here it was last January during a snowstorm with a link to other shots.
To say “good bye” is very hard!
It was a very beautiful tree!
I know the feeling. It’s like losing a friend.
Hello,
It is sad to lose any tree! I looked at your other Willow tree photos. It was a beautiful tree. I am glad no one was around when it fell. We just had a tall white pine fall over in our yard this week. Take care!
Wishing you a happy day and weekend!
I’m with you on the hope that the remainder of the tree stays. I really hate to see trees come down. Your story reminded me of a childhood memory. I grew up in Quincy Illinois and one evening, a friend of my dad’s stopped by the house to show my dad his new car. Dad invited him to stay for dinner and while the whole family was eating, we heard a terrible crash. Dad looked out the window and a tree had fallen right on top of our guest’s brand new car. There was no storm or rain, it just fell right where they guy’s car was parked. To this day, I feel a bit sorry for that guy.
I’m glad no one was around or near it to get hurt. It is a lovely tree and you got some fantastic images of it. Your favorite tree gave you a crunch warning so you could document it in a photo and there it is.
It is always sad when a tree is not doing well especially when it is a favorite! I hope some of it can be saved.
Hopefully something of it survives.
It is sad to say goodbye to trees. See my post tomorrow for the story of how I have been compelled to say goodbye to one of mine this week.