I ran this picture less than a year ago. Now those huge stumps -- the remains of three very old cottonwoods at the corner of McCormick and Willis -- are cut to the ground. Last spring when I took the picture above, it was obvious that there was no hope left. The twigs from the previous year had not leafed.
The heartwood was completely gone; these cottonwoods had seen their final days. Tree sitters protested the major tree surgery a year or so earlier, but those activists should have focused their efforts elsewhere; the trees were goners. Too bad -- they gave wonderful shade.
There's another ancient one on McCormick near Cortez. For as long as I have lived in Prescott, I've eyed the hole in the trunk, which must have been around for many years. Over time, many fascinating (and possibly gross) things have been deposited in that hole. Wonder if the contents will be revealed when the tree (not a cottonwood) finally dies. I'd like to be there!
I ran this picture less than a year ago. Now those huge stumps -- the remains of three very old cottonwoods at the corner of McCormick and Willis -- are cut to the ground. Last spring when I took the picture above, it was obvious that there was no hope left. The twigs from the previous year had not leafed.
The heartwood was completely gone; these cottonwoods had seen their final days. Tree sitters protested the major tree surgery a year or so earlier, but those activists should have focused their efforts elsewhere; the trees were goners. Too bad -- they gave wonderful shade.
There's another ancient one on McCormick near Cortez. For as long as I have lived in Prescott, I've eyed the hole in the trunk, which must have been around for many years. Over time, many fascinating (and possibly gross) things have been deposited in that hole. Wonder if the contents will be revealed when the tree (not a cottonwood) finally dies. I'd like to be there!
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9 comments:
It does seem sad to see trees die. All living things do, though, so it is just another part of life.
We all have our time. And the life in those trees has moved on.
These trees tell the story of AZ drought. They're shallow rooted and the creeks used to keep them watered. Well..yes..they're old ..but that's not the whole story..
granny j..yes, they're old, but they still have their own unique beauty about them--and, oh the tales they could tell!
I wonder what they might do with the wood? Can you make something with it? Turned bowls perhaps. They could be souvenirs. I hope they plant new shade trees in the same spot!
I know the public servant who was given the task of cutting those trees down. At such times, he calls himself Dr. Treevorkian.
meggie -- An old neighbor hood had to cut down an ancient cottonwood near Granite Creek over in the Dells nearly wept ...
stitchwort -- only too true, but sad nonetheless.
brain -- the story of our drought is also sad, thouh it's been repeated time and again in these parts.
jan -- I'd love to hear those tales!
juliar -- I'm afraid the wood is long gone, though your suggestion is a good one.
Cat-A -- the tree executioner, eh?
Nice shots. I too would be fascinated (and maybe creeped out;p by "what's in the hole" on that last one.
P.S.: I found this one through the Tree Festival.
Good to see you in the archives, Ms. Enigma. As for the hole, I've always viewed it as a dropping off place for love notes.
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