In their early days tree tubes were known as Tuley Tubes, in honor of inventor Graham Tuley of the British Forestry Commission.
Now, a few weeks late for Christmas, for the complete tree geek on your shopping list you can now order a jigsaw puzzle of a bad photograph of a field of Tuley Tubes, presumably somewhere in Great Britain. Surprisingly shoppers on that web site give the item 1 star out of 5.
OK, I admit it: I really want one.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Every Tree Is A Snow Flake
These days no one pays more attention to the characteristics of individual trees -- particularly when they drop acorns/fruit, how much they drop, and how big are the acorns/fruit they drop -- than hunters and sportsmen.
And probably the most observant of these is the guy who, sick and tired of the military style camo available at the time, brought a bag full of leaves, sticks and dirt into a fabric factory and said, "I want a fabric that looks like this."
That man is Toxey Haas of Mossy Oak. Toxey has an amazing eye for identifying -- and, more to the point, remembering the durn location of* -- hyrbrid oaks and particular oaks with unique characteristics. I absolutely love his saying: "Every tree is a snowflake." Toxey gets it. There are species (or, as in the case of oaks, "species") and then within those species, and especially with oaks, there is immense intra-species variation. In the case of oaks I contend that that intra-species variation generally exceeds inter-species variation; that in other words our species delineations for oaks are so narrow as to be virtually meaningless and useless. It is within this immense intra-species variation where so much potential lies. Within "bur" oaks you have trees that drop acorns in August, and 50 feet away ones that drop in early November. You have "bur" oaks that drop acorns smaller than marbles, and "bur" oaks that drop these behemoths. (By the way I love the name: Mastadon Oak! Mast as in acorns, mastadon as in huge. This is exactly the type of marketing we need to bring to the cause of planting oaks!) You get shumard oaks that drop late, and ones that consistently, year after year, drop early.
No two wild grown trees are exactly alike. And within that variation lies the potential for oaks to feed a hungry world and safeguard our eroding soil.
It will take nurseries like Nativ out there identifying trees with remarkable traits, schlepping through the woods every fall to gather acorns (How can you tell a hybrid oak nurseryman? By the number of rashes and bites he has at the end of the day!), and eventually, breeding those special trees with others. Others can gather acorns in lawns and in parks. Hybrid and specialty oak growers must gather acorns for a specific tree at a specific time. No matter what.
This is the best explanation of why these Specialty Oaks cost more than bed run seedlings. I hope more and more people recognize and are willing to pay the difference. I believe they are.
And of course, as a purveyor and peddler of plastic tree tubes, this warms my heart.
So if you live anywhere within the hardiness zones Nativ Nurseries' trees will grow, I highly recommend ordering some. And even if you live outside the hardiness zones for their trees, plant some. Within the vastness of intra-species variation of oaks I have become convinced that there's a lot more cold hardiness in the gene pool of southern oaks than we think.
* Location, location, location is everything. It's one thing to identify a special tree. It's another thing entirely to be able to find it again. I am a very rich man. I just can't remember where to find the source of my immense wealth. Twenty three years ago, while driving near Itasca State Park in Minnesota, I saw a quaking aspen in full autumn color. Only this one wasn't golden like the eight bajillion aspens around it. It was bright red/orange. It was stunning. It was gorgeous. And I have no earthly idea where the hell it is. The market potential for that tree is staggering. So if you're driving near Itasca State Park this autumn, drive carefully. Don't look for "my" tree, because I don't want you to find it. Just keep an eye out for a desperate looking guy driving on the shoulder with his head out the window staring up at the trees. That will be me. Again.
And probably the most observant of these is the guy who, sick and tired of the military style camo available at the time, brought a bag full of leaves, sticks and dirt into a fabric factory and said, "I want a fabric that looks like this."
That man is Toxey Haas of Mossy Oak. Toxey has an amazing eye for identifying -- and, more to the point, remembering the durn location of* -- hyrbrid oaks and particular oaks with unique characteristics. I absolutely love his saying: "Every tree is a snowflake." Toxey gets it. There are species (or, as in the case of oaks, "species") and then within those species, and especially with oaks, there is immense intra-species variation. In the case of oaks I contend that that intra-species variation generally exceeds inter-species variation; that in other words our species delineations for oaks are so narrow as to be virtually meaningless and useless. It is within this immense intra-species variation where so much potential lies. Within "bur" oaks you have trees that drop acorns in August, and 50 feet away ones that drop in early November. You have "bur" oaks that drop acorns smaller than marbles, and "bur" oaks that drop these behemoths. (By the way I love the name: Mastadon Oak! Mast as in acorns, mastadon as in huge. This is exactly the type of marketing we need to bring to the cause of planting oaks!) You get shumard oaks that drop late, and ones that consistently, year after year, drop early.
No two wild grown trees are exactly alike. And within that variation lies the potential for oaks to feed a hungry world and safeguard our eroding soil.
It will take nurseries like Nativ out there identifying trees with remarkable traits, schlepping through the woods every fall to gather acorns (How can you tell a hybrid oak nurseryman? By the number of rashes and bites he has at the end of the day!), and eventually, breeding those special trees with others. Others can gather acorns in lawns and in parks. Hybrid and specialty oak growers must gather acorns for a specific tree at a specific time. No matter what.
This is the best explanation of why these Specialty Oaks cost more than bed run seedlings. I hope more and more people recognize and are willing to pay the difference. I believe they are.
And of course, as a purveyor and peddler of plastic tree tubes, this warms my heart.
So if you live anywhere within the hardiness zones Nativ Nurseries' trees will grow, I highly recommend ordering some. And even if you live outside the hardiness zones for their trees, plant some. Within the vastness of intra-species variation of oaks I have become convinced that there's a lot more cold hardiness in the gene pool of southern oaks than we think.
* Location, location, location is everything. It's one thing to identify a special tree. It's another thing entirely to be able to find it again. I am a very rich man. I just can't remember where to find the source of my immense wealth. Twenty three years ago, while driving near Itasca State Park in Minnesota, I saw a quaking aspen in full autumn color. Only this one wasn't golden like the eight bajillion aspens around it. It was bright red/orange. It was stunning. It was gorgeous. And I have no earthly idea where the hell it is. The market potential for that tree is staggering. So if you're driving near Itasca State Park this autumn, drive carefully. Don't look for "my" tree, because I don't want you to find it. Just keep an eye out for a desperate looking guy driving on the shoulder with his head out the window staring up at the trees. That will be me. Again.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
What's In A Name?
An oak with a charming common name.
Now take a look at the three herbarium samples and tell me if, on a dendrology test, you'd ever believe these samples were the same species.
By the way it looks like the USDA lists 206 "species" of oak in the USA, but they include hybrids.
Then again, they'd have to.
Now take a look at the three herbarium samples and tell me if, on a dendrology test, you'd ever believe these samples were the same species.
By the way it looks like the USDA lists 206 "species" of oak in the USA, but they include hybrids.
Then again, they'd have to.
Great minds...
... think I'm a moron.
But every now and then I have a thought. I've taken to reading a few "species" per evening in Oaks of North America by Miller & Lamb. Sometimes I even finish a page or two before falling asleep in mid-sentence and dropping the book on my face. Not because it's not interesting - could there be a more fascinating topic? - but because I'm getting old and tired... and was probably up at the crack of dawn with an infant.
Whenever I see an oak with a range that looks like it was shot from a poorly patterned shotgun I think: That "species" must have occupied a much larger contiguous range at one point, and is now in steep decline.
Arkansas oak (Q. arkansana Sarg.) is one such oak. This range map shows it spanning seven states, but according to Oaks of North America the range consists of a four county clump in Arkansas and one county pin pricks in Louisiana, Alabama (5 dots), Georgia (2 dots) and Florida (3 dots). Miller writes: "Arkansas oak is believed to be a relic of an ancient population which at some time in the past occurred over a much wider range than at present." This site lists it as a threatened species. Interestingly the site says, "Fewer than five localities of this woodland species are known to exist." It then lists seven states in which it occurs; some of them are adjacent so conceivably some stands of Arkansas oaks stradle state lines.
We're watching momentous changes in forest composition, right before our eyes. Sad, but utterly remarkable at the same time.
Hey southern guys & gals, has anyone ever seen an Arkansas oak? Can someone get acorns?
But every now and then I have a thought. I've taken to reading a few "species" per evening in Oaks of North America by Miller & Lamb. Sometimes I even finish a page or two before falling asleep in mid-sentence and dropping the book on my face. Not because it's not interesting - could there be a more fascinating topic? - but because I'm getting old and tired... and was probably up at the crack of dawn with an infant.
Whenever I see an oak with a range that looks like it was shot from a poorly patterned shotgun I think: That "species" must have occupied a much larger contiguous range at one point, and is now in steep decline.
Arkansas oak (Q. arkansana Sarg.) is one such oak. This range map shows it spanning seven states, but according to Oaks of North America the range consists of a four county clump in Arkansas and one county pin pricks in Louisiana, Alabama (5 dots), Georgia (2 dots) and Florida (3 dots). Miller writes: "Arkansas oak is believed to be a relic of an ancient population which at some time in the past occurred over a much wider range than at present." This site lists it as a threatened species. Interestingly the site says, "Fewer than five localities of this woodland species are known to exist." It then lists seven states in which it occurs; some of them are adjacent so conceivably some stands of Arkansas oaks stradle state lines.
We're watching momentous changes in forest composition, right before our eyes. Sad, but utterly remarkable at the same time.
Hey southern guys & gals, has anyone ever seen an Arkansas oak? Can someone get acorns?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Getting It Right On Growth
If this site does nothing else I hope it is one small voice among many working to overcome the stigma of slow growth literature and ignorance has given oak trees - because it is that false reputation for slow growth that prevents many people from planting oaks.
So when I see someone trying to overcome that trend I want to trumpet their efforts.
Yesterday I received an catalog in the mail for Chief River Nursery in Wisconsin. Their descriptions of their oaks were a breath of fresh air:
Bur oak - "Fast-growing (about 1' per year)" - I think they're selling it short, but I love the fast-growing moniker!
Red oak - "Fastest growing of the oaks about 2' per year." - Again I think they're giving short shrift to red oak's growth potential, but it's refreshing to see the term fast growing repeatedly associated with oaks!
Swamp white oak - "Fast growing oak..."
Well done, Chief River Nursery!
Now I'm anxious to start planting oaks again this spring... only 4 more months of winter to go. Grrrr.
So when I see someone trying to overcome that trend I want to trumpet their efforts.
Yesterday I received an catalog in the mail for Chief River Nursery in Wisconsin. Their descriptions of their oaks were a breath of fresh air:
Bur oak - "Fast-growing (about 1' per year)" - I think they're selling it short, but I love the fast-growing moniker!
Red oak - "Fastest growing of the oaks about 2' per year." - Again I think they're giving short shrift to red oak's growth potential, but it's refreshing to see the term fast growing repeatedly associated with oaks!
Swamp white oak - "Fast growing oak..."
Well done, Chief River Nursery!
Now I'm anxious to start planting oaks again this spring... only 4 more months of winter to go. Grrrr.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Coolest House Ever
I tried a search on "tallest oak tree" and came across this instead.
My son has been asking for a tree house. He must never see these photos!
Awesome.
My son has been asking for a tree house. He must never see these photos!
Awesome.
A Stupid Resolution
When people speak of making New Year's resolutions I'm always reminded of my freshman year of college and a dude named Dave. I spent my freshman year at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. This was when I thought I was going to be a historian or a literature major, before I opted for a glamorous and highly lucrative career in forestry and a transfer back home to the University of Minnesota.
Shortly after returning to school from Christmas break there was a dance held at the cafeteria, featuring some band up from Boston and Ever Clear punch. I'm not sure what genius decided this would be a great idea. "Hey, I know! Let's have a dance in a packed 90 degree cafeteria to get everyone hot and thirsty, and then let's serve Kool Aid spiked with lighter fluid!"
What ensued will probably go down in history as the shortest dance ever. One of the early casualties was Dave, a six foot five inch bean pole who had been a quiet, bookish guy for the first semester. It was odd to see him completely smashed. A buddy from the dorm floor named Ric and I half walked, half carried Dave across campus back to his dorm room. Dave kept mumbling/slurring over and over, "I made a resholution. But I made a resholution." It seemed like a mantra laced with deep regret. Finally Ric said, "It's OK Dave, everyone breaks their resolutions once or twice. Don't worry about it." To which Dave stopped, seemed to sober up in an instant, and said with great dignity, "No, I made a resolution to drink more. I thought I'd get more chicks that way."
Ric looked at me, rolled his eyes and said, "And how's that working out for you?" We spent the next hour getting water and aspirin down his throat, while meanwhile comforting Dave with platitudes like, "If you just be yourself there are plenty of girls who would like to be with you." And other lies like that.
I try not to make resolutions, because I know there are aspects of my basic nature that I'll never be able to change. But this year I am making a couple.
First, I need to bake and cook with acorns more. That is, after all, what this blog is all about, and I've become Exhibit A in why humankind moved away from a healthier, more peace-inducing food source in favor of the planet-killing and war-inducing convenience of grains.
The other is to spend more time exploring two themes/concepts: A new approach to classifying oaks, and concept of synchronicity in acorn production. I'm always griping about the way oak species and hybrids (and don't worry, I'll continue to do so), but anyone who complains that much should also start to offer alternatives.
I'm also fascinated by some research I've read lately and some correspondence with readers & friends about how and why oaks over vast areas "know" to produce large crops only periodically, and the implications of this for oak becoming (re-becoming) a major food source.
Not sure if those topics are thrilling enough to keep you tuned into Oak Watch this year. But for me at least they are a lot healthier than a resolution to get drunk more often!
Shortly after returning to school from Christmas break there was a dance held at the cafeteria, featuring some band up from Boston and Ever Clear punch. I'm not sure what genius decided this would be a great idea. "Hey, I know! Let's have a dance in a packed 90 degree cafeteria to get everyone hot and thirsty, and then let's serve Kool Aid spiked with lighter fluid!"
What ensued will probably go down in history as the shortest dance ever. One of the early casualties was Dave, a six foot five inch bean pole who had been a quiet, bookish guy for the first semester. It was odd to see him completely smashed. A buddy from the dorm floor named Ric and I half walked, half carried Dave across campus back to his dorm room. Dave kept mumbling/slurring over and over, "I made a resholution. But I made a resholution." It seemed like a mantra laced with deep regret. Finally Ric said, "It's OK Dave, everyone breaks their resolutions once or twice. Don't worry about it." To which Dave stopped, seemed to sober up in an instant, and said with great dignity, "No, I made a resolution to drink more. I thought I'd get more chicks that way."
Ric looked at me, rolled his eyes and said, "And how's that working out for you?" We spent the next hour getting water and aspirin down his throat, while meanwhile comforting Dave with platitudes like, "If you just be yourself there are plenty of girls who would like to be with you." And other lies like that.
I try not to make resolutions, because I know there are aspects of my basic nature that I'll never be able to change. But this year I am making a couple.
First, I need to bake and cook with acorns more. That is, after all, what this blog is all about, and I've become Exhibit A in why humankind moved away from a healthier, more peace-inducing food source in favor of the planet-killing and war-inducing convenience of grains.
The other is to spend more time exploring two themes/concepts: A new approach to classifying oaks, and concept of synchronicity in acorn production. I'm always griping about the way oak species and hybrids (and don't worry, I'll continue to do so), but anyone who complains that much should also start to offer alternatives.
I'm also fascinated by some research I've read lately and some correspondence with readers & friends about how and why oaks over vast areas "know" to produce large crops only periodically, and the implications of this for oak becoming (re-becoming) a major food source.
Not sure if those topics are thrilling enough to keep you tuned into Oak Watch this year. But for me at least they are a lot healthier than a resolution to get drunk more often!
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