When this tree falls, he will feel it (Boston Globe)

[YankeyMCC]

Not a report or opinion piece on the state of the climate or ecology, not a lament or hope for the effectiveness of human action to take care of the Earth and ourselves. Just a story I thought the people here would appreciate as a example of the love and connection between humans and all living beings.

(snip)
YARMOUTH, Maine - The experts shook their heads and told Frank Knight it was over: Once Dutch elm disease showed up, nothing could be done.
Discuss
COMMENTS (7)

But this was not just any diseased tree. The elm on the corner of Yankee Drive was magnificent, a local treasure high upon a hill above the harbor, among the oldest and the largest elm trees in New England. So Knight, the volunteer tree warden in Yarmouth, made it his mission to save it.

“They said you can’t save the tree if it’s diseased,’’ Knight said. “But it was such a big, beautiful tree, I said, ‘I’m going to try.’ ’’
(snip)

(snip)
News of the mighty tree’s imminent demise has sent waves of sadness through the coastal town of Yarmouth, population 8,500, and the regional community of ardent elm lovers, who mourn not just for Herbie but for an entire lost landscape of elegant giants, felled by 70 years of persistent, plague-like disease.

“The streets were lined with elms - many towns were that way - and it was like a canopy overhead,’’ said Knight, who gave up his official post a few years ago but still serves as an adviser to the new tree warden. “I’m sorry to lose it, but we kept it as long as we could.’’

Of the 1,700 elm trees that once lined Yarmouth’s main streets, he said, fewer than a dozen now remain.

The native American elm was once a signature New England tree, transplanted from the forests by colonists who recognized its classic beauty, rapid growth, and generous shade. Elms added character and class, said Dan Smith, a spokesman for the nonprofit group American Forests, and were sometimes seen as symbols of a community’s status.
(snip)


(snip)
Based on a nearby tree of similar size, the age of which was determined when it was cut down, Herbie is believed to have been planted around 1775. The spring of that year was a busy, tumultuous time: Paul Revere galloped west and kicked off a revolution, the colonies came up with the name “United States,’’ and George Washington took command of the Army.

...

“If that tree could only speak,’’ said Fern Brooks, manager of an antiques store across the street.
(snip)


http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/articles/2009/12/27/when_this_tree_falls_he_will_feel_it/

[elocs]

1. I think it is so sad to see an old tree fall. There is something melancholy

about its final crash. I sometimes watch the trees as the wind makes the limbs and leaves move and sway and there is such a rhythmic and calming beauty to it. They seem so alive then.

We plant trees and protect trees for the following generations, being good stewards. This is the same reason that we should now do all we can to battle climate change, not as much for ourselves but for the generations to come.

[madokie]

8. You made me remember something

Over at the home place, where I was raised, we had a big oak tree that blew down a few years ago so I cut it up and use it for fire wood and then one day I had to go ahead and cut the still standing part and I counted the rings and that tree was 168 tree rings old. Imagine that 168 years old. I know there is trees much older but for me to be cutting the wood and burning it from a tree that went back that many years kind of hit me, there at the end.

[juno jones]

2. I have seen such elms on the MA coast.

Magnificent trees. I am a bit amazed that with all our tech, we haven't found a way to save them yet.

[WileEcoyote]

3. Isn't it almost a little in bad taste to post an advertizement for "tree removal"

at the bottom of this page? Kind of funny though if ya ask me.

[juno jones]

4. Those pesky elms!

Elms can be such a nuisance, tracking filth in the house and infesting your sugar bowl. We can help!...

oh wait...wut was that?

[bhikkhu]

5. Sad article. Link to disease resistant varieties:

in case anyone feels inspired to plant a tree

http://botanyshop.com/ValleyForge.htm

[happyslug]

6. If you want to see how a street lined with elms, you have to go to Westmont PA

Westmont takes pride in its elm lined main street
http://webpages.charter.net/westmont/tree.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westmont,_Pennsylvania

Here is Luzerne avenue, the last "Cathedral" Elm street in the world:


Some pictures from "Old Westmont":
http://www.jaha.org/edu/inclined_plane/walking_tour_westmont_main.html

[madokie]

7. Yes the elm is one of the most graceful of trees

tough as a whores heart and fast growing to boot. We had two that grew into pretty good sized trees then one day I came home and the last one, that the day before was beautiful fully leaved out and looking good then the next day the leaves were all drawn up and within a week the leaves were all gone, now about 7 or 8 years later I can't really tell where they were anymore. I have always loved trees and have planted a bunch of'm in my 61 years.