A Tree's Struggle to Survive

     The southwest side of a tree can be a harsh place in winter.  

     At least, it is for the living part of a tree trunk, just beneath the bark.

This is the side of a tree that the sun shines most intensely upon during the late winter.  Since cherry trees have dark bark, they absorb much of its warmth and the living part of the tree is awakened from winter dormancy only to be frozen again when the temperature plunges down again at night.

A brief look at the temperature records from last February tells the chilling story:

        * High        * Low                                                   

A difference of almost 60 degrees!

This is a tremendous shock to the tree and portions of the living trunk die and crack.  Here is a maple tree fighting to survive the effects of the "Southwest Injury".  The two sides of the living trunk are growing quickly to cover the damaged area and it will most likely survive to live on for many decades.

 Southwest injury in Maple

I can take a hint though.

One look at sights like this send me running for the paintbrush and white paint. I now paint each trunk with white paint- but just on the south west side.  The  paint (a time honored orchardist's method)  will make the trunks reflect the sunlight that in summer nurtured but in winter  will pose an imminent danger. Here is the grove with the trees painted- and as ready for winter as I can make them.  

 Painted trunks

They will do the rest, although I will stop by many a winter night to look in on  them.  Together, we will wait for spring.

Sometimes I think Love can  best  be seen beneath the surface as a simply a steady outpouring of effort and attention.  

As the season grows colder,  Beaver steps up his activities also.  Another hint of things to come for the fruit trees  I planted near the creek soon makes it's appearance.

 Gnawed wild  apple tree

 I leave him helpful chicken wire cages around  trunks  to guide his selection away from trees and bushes I'd prefer that he not gnaw on.