While south-east Queensland and the New South Wales north coast were hit by wild weather and floods – again – here it was much milder.
Yet when high winds follow long wet spells, the ground is saturated and trees are at risk on these ridges and slopes.
Those with less extensive holds from their roots or weakness at their bases can be bowled over as easily as we would flick a fallen leaf.
When the weather eased, I found that even in my fairly protected yard, part of the lemon ti-tree and two small Mudgee wattles had come down.
Fearing worse damage closer to the top of the ridge, I walked up to my gate, in case of fallen trees across the track.
There were none, but right by that gate a fairly large tree had simply snapped off, probably partly hollowed from past fires, and now lay prostrate. Fortunately it had fallen downhill, so not across the track.
Soon it would be tree no longer – just timber. But in the meantime, as the leaves slowly die, it will sadden me to pass it by. Like a terminal patient’s silent plea to which I have no solution, only sympathy.
Gumboots and Drizabone packed Shane. No idea re books; first royalties in December. Just been for a soggy and cowpatted rural walk, but forgot the gumboots.
Hi Sharyn,
Enjoy the mid north coast! Don’t forget the gum boots from what I have seen the place is very soggy after the huge rainfall events. You sure get around on these talking tours.
I hope that the talks go down well.
How many copies of the latest book have been sold so far?
Regards
Shane
Hi Trevor, I think it was burnt inside as it’s black, bit yes, termites probably started it. And I am properly respectful of the power of these forests in winds; I don’t walk about the bush in such times!
Hi Sharyn,
Going by the appearance of the base of the big one, it’s been harbouring a bit of ecology already! A few termites seem to have piped it. Probably why it fell? Re your own survival in the environment, Sharyn, when trees like this come down in high winds, they can really make you scamper! Take care eh?
Cheers,
Trev.
Well said Sandra! Although in a few years I have to admit that some of that tree’s value for me will be the firewood from its smaller branches, so helping this member of the ecosystem to survive here.
As hard as it is to see a tree down ust think of all the tiny and not so tiny members of the ecosystem that will find a safe haven there. The beauty of your property is that the natural cycle is able to complete itself unlike in surburbia where the tree would have lost its value once it was down.