Everywhere we have lived -- unless renting -- we have planted trees. Yes, we have moved quite a bit through the years and it has amounted to a lot of trees. I suppose our proclivity toward planting them goes back to having grown up on the Texas High Plains where the only trees were those either planted by, or, descended from those planted by the residents.
This small tree (about 4 1/2 feet tall) now stands in our back yard as a replacement for one which we had to take out a couple of years ago. Its predecessor was a Willow Oak (Quercus phelos) which was over 100 years old and 60 inches in diameter. It was home to numerous squirrels and literally covered our entire backyard.
The tree in the photo is a transplant from our land out north of town which lies on Horse Pen Creek which is a tributary to White Oak Creek. You guessed it, this is a White Oak (Quercus alba) which I thought appropriate. It is a bit more tattered and torn than you would find if you were able to purchase one at a nursery. The trouble is that White Oaks aren't usually a commonly stocked tree at nurseries because they aren't typically used for landscaping. They tend to be slow growing and become extremely large over time. There are documented instances of White Oak trees living up to 450 years; that's a long time to sequester carbon!
The White Oak produces beautiful wood and is commonly used for furniture, cabinetry and barrels. White Oak has long been used for making wooden barrels. It is sometimes told that Elijah Craig, a Baptist Minister, was the first to create Bourbon Whiskey in the late 1700's. He had a small distillery which utilized white oak casks for storing his product. A fire swept through his cooperage and left a charred ruin. Being the frugal entrepreneur, he decided to utilize the charred kegs which imparted a reddish color to the stored product and Bourbon Whiskey was born. There are other stories of the origin of the product, but the Baptist background provides an interesting twist and the legend has remained and is embodied in a product that bears his name. I'm not advocating, or advertising, merely reporting the connections.
Trees, like history, are viewed in years. When you plant a tree, you plant for future generations. Through the years, we have sometimes had occasion to pass by a previous residence where we planted trees simply to see how they have grown. Some have died, but others tower far above their humble beginnings. They provide haven for birds and shade for children. They break the howling winds and in a few locations, catch tumbleweeds.
Planting trees is a way to mark your place in history -- at least temporarily if you view it on a cosmic scale. I appreciate those who left the trees behind which offer shade today. Perhaps someone in the future will look at this White Oak and take a moment to reflect on those who planted it.
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