Sometimes in this part of the world, off in the distance, you hear a crashing sound. When that happens, you know a tree, or at least a large branch, has fallen.
I didn't attempt to step off the length of this tree, but I would guess it was in the 80 to 100 foot category. It appears to be a Water Oak (Quercus nigra) that was growing in the flat bottom land near one of the creeks that cross our place. For perspective, I stuck a shovel in the ground near the roots in order to give some idea of the size (middle image).
There is a lot of good lumber in this fallen giant that will never be harvested simply because of location. There really isn't a way to get to it without a major road-building project. I'm sure that is the reason it is there in the first place; it and many others like it are isolated and difficult to reach so they have been undisturbed for many years.
Near this "small" tree are a number of native pecan trees which dwarf this one. They are massive, with long, straight trunks that reach many feet before branching. The canopy of the many trees in this area is such that the young trees grow straight up in their quest for light. That condition is ideal for producing quality lumber.
It's too bad the lumber from this fallen tree will never be harvested for building material. It would make a large quantity of long, straight boards that could be used for furniture or cabinetry.
Although not recommended as an ornamental, we transplanted a small seedling of Water Oak yesterday in honor of this one. It came from near where its giant cousin had fallen.
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