Lamenting the Loss of a Tree

We lost this tree in December.  Its twenty foot length came down, victim of a winter wind out of the west.

It's a Mountain Ash, one of about a half dozen bare root seedlings I planted in 1992. It became the favorite tree of the Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in our yard.

Sapsuckers first appeared in our yard in August 2004, most always seen on the mountain ashes.  They'd occasionally check out the maple and plum trees, but they always ended up back on the ash trees, creating wells to create a free-flow of sap and to feast on the berries.

Many young sapsuckers have used these trees in their first weeks of life to drink the sap and eat insects that were drawn to the sap.  Perhaps 5 or 6 generations of sapsuckers have drilled their first wells on this tree.

Two other ashes succumbed to sapsucker damage a couple years ago.  They are now lichen covered skeletons, still standing, but devoid of their compound leaves and orange/red berries during the growing season.

The healthiest survivor still hosts sapsuckers as well as other fruit-loving birds.  It's a beautiful tree, shorter than the one that fell, but in a critical corner of the yard.  I hope it recovers each year from the wounds inflicted on it by the sapsuckers.  But even if it falls someday, I'm pleased that a half dozen trees I planted in my yard have provided food for generations of sapsuckers.

Now the big question: I didn't see the tree fall, so...did it make a noise?     

Comments

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Linda - more trees yes. Will look over the Soil & Water Cons District offerings and see what kind. Hopefully the SWCD program doesn't get cut!

[Linda]

Will you be planning to plant some more Ash trees? I saw some up near Lake Desolation and the birds just loved it! Eating berries and soaking up the sun. I read about the cuts and the AVC closing. What a shame.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Avimor - I'm glad this post helped you out and gives you cause to plant an ash and not avoid it! Wonderful!
Sue - Haven't planted seedlings (from NYSDEC) recently but should...
Lana - well said!

[Lana]

I know how this can feel. Amazing how trees extend their roots even into our hearts. *hug*

[Sue Fuss]

Excellent post - and perspective! I hope y'all are still planting seedlings on a regular basis and you remind me to find ways to do the same.

Sue

[Avimor Birder]

Sorry for you loss of the Mountain Ash tree. I am grateful for your post. I've been gathering a list of trees that specific bird species like so that I can plant them in the little birding oasis I am building. I had not yet found the right tree for Sapsuckers and your post gave me great information!