by Neil Carleton
When I saw the first greening of spring, I pulled off the road on May 9 for a closer look with my binoculars. Before there was a berm at the Appleton quarry, it was easy to see this arboreal behemoth off to the right along Highway 29 when heading south just before the big curve. Nowadays, only the top section of this giant basswood is obvious in the distance. Each year, from fall onward, I’ve wondered while driving by how many more winters it might survive.
- Many of the large broken limbs were hidden from view by the June foliage when this photo was taken on June 17, 2007.
- Just about six years later, this skeletal view on May 9 reveals the ravages of high winds and ice storms. Permission was obtained from the quarry operators to hop the fence, climb the berm, and hike in to photograph the tree.
- The American basswood of the Linden family frequently has two or more trunks. This double trunked specimen measured 25’ 5” or 7.7 m in circumference at chest height on May 9.
Thank you to Rob Cretain of Appleton for accompanying me over the fence and berm to measure and admire this month’s tree of renown.
Do you have a notable or favourite tree? Readers are invited to submit their nominations for an honor roll of trees in our area that could be featured in future articles. You can contact me at 613-256-2018, <ve3nce@rac.ca>, or Neil Carleton, 3 Argyle Street, P.O. Box 1644, Almonte, Ontario, K0A 1A0. I look forward to hearing from you.
My volunteer columns started in March 2010, as print features, to support the tree planting and tree awareness initiatives of the Mississippi Mills Beautification Committee. The contact for the Tree Working Group is Ron Ayling, 613-256-4617. In Carleton Place, the contact for the Urban Forest / River Corridor Advisory Committee is Jim McCready, 613-257-5853.
Until the next column, you’ll find me looking for and hanging out with shady characters.
