23 February 2013

Interesting tree biology


The image above shows an entirely natural phenomenon, occurring inside the hollow (rotten) core of a white pine.
Whorled branch cores look like spokes inside the trunk of a white pine, top. The cores were resistant to the rot that consumed the center of the tree, which walled off the damage and continued to grow new wood for more than 20 years.
When I was a little kid, my parents and I used to search the woods for fallen rotten pine logs.  Opening them would sometimes reveal two treasures - grubs that could be used for fishing bait, and "knots" I suppose similar to the above, which were fragrant additions to the fireplace.

Text and image from an entry in the Washington Post's fascinating Urban Jungle series.

9 comments:

  1. DeformutilationFebruary 23, 2013 at 12:15 PM

    This is mind-blowingly amazing!

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    This is not due to natural rotting, it's caused by carpenter ants eating away at the softer parts surrounding the internal parts of the branches.

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    Replies
    1. MinnesotastanFebruary 23, 2013 at 4:21 PM

      You ought to get in touch with the arborist I was quoting and let him know he's wrong. After a lifetime of studying trees, you'd think he would know better...

      Delete
    2. MinnesotastanFebruary 23, 2013 at 4:21 PM

      You can reach him at this website -

      http://www.shannontree.com/

      Delete
  3. AnonymousFebruary 23, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    I do believe it is natural rotting. No arborist, but a forester.

    There is a term for those pine knots - fat lighter. Important thing to know about in outdoor survival as it will start easy and burn really hot.

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  4. DaddyodekeFebruary 24, 2013 at 3:43 PM

    This also illustrates how branches that are in place on the trunk from early in the tree's development are deeply "rooted" in the tree. The incorrect pruning practice of "topping" trees results in branches that are weakly attached toward the OUTSIDE of the trunk rather that the INSIDE as this picture illustrates.

    Topping should NEVER be done, it just further stresses ailing trees, because it removes their food source (leaves), and produces branches that will grow a few years, and then become hazardous when there's a storm. If an "arborist" recommends topping any tree, find an arborist certified by the American Society of Arboriculture. The MAJORITY of residential tree problems originate in the soil, usually soil compaction. No amount of pruning will alleviate stress, it only makes it worse.

    I am a retired certified arborist.

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    Replies
    1. MinnesotastanFebruary 24, 2013 at 10:16 PM

      A quick question. Can topping be performed on a HEALTHY tree? I ask because the people who built our house planted what I think is a white cedar too close to the house/deck. It's now about 12' high and rubbing the shingles and giving access to the deck for squirrels (and an exit route for our cats). We'd like to lop off the top couple feet.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2013 at 4:53 PM

    I'd like to see this one set in resin, kind of like these tables. Too bad the whole stump isn't available.

    http://www.lushome.com/modern-coffee-tables-tree-growth-rings-modern-furniture-design-ideas/61456#

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  6. 032125February 25, 2013 at 4:58 PM

    Looks like the head of a mancatcher.

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