This spring we have had quite a few significant rain events, thoroughly washing out the gravel paths of the arboretum, as well as noteworthy thunderstorms, with powerful winds, mangling and toppling trees in the local community. On Sunday, April 28th, a storm blew through the arboretum, nudging over a weakened water locust (
Gleditsia aquatica).
Since last fall, the water locust had been marked for removal due to its unhealthy trunk. A licensed arborist with an experienced crew would have been the preferred method of removal, as such planned, controlled events tend to result in less overall damage. The 'wait-and-see' strategy of tree removal has resulted in undesirable damage to surrounding plants.
 |
Yellow caution tape was seen in the arboretum this week.
|
 |
A large area was cordoned off using yellow tape to discourage pedestrians from getting too close to the fallen water locust (Gleditsia aquatica) and the mangled yaupon hollies (Ilex vomitoria).
|
 |
The fallen water locust is suspended on an interwoven network of yaupon holly branches.
|
 |
This is a major pathway through campus. There were perhaps several disgruntled, or at least surprised, pedestrians this week. No doubt they were annoyed with the necessity of walking around this mess. Of course, it was also Finals Week.
|
 |
"Dead end! Turn around!" or "Halt! Frogs only beyond this point!"
|
 |
| Our fallen water locust was collected locally, in 1995, from Dr. Dana Kress's property on Cross Lake. |
 |
For nearly 30 years, the water locust grew happily in the 'lower pond' area of the Arboretum, surrounded by Sabal sp., Iris sp., Taxodium distichum, Aralia spinosa and a nearby Planera aquatica, as well as a Betula nigra.
|
 |
A railing helped break the fall of the water locust.
|
 |
A smashed railing. What do you think the impact sounded like?
|
 |
The water locust has such interesting bark! Not only are its spines terrifying, but they also function as a trellis for green-briar vines.
|
 |
Although its trunk was rotten at the base, the water locust remained alive all winter. Green leaves are pictured here.
|
 |
Fresh green growth of the water locust.
|
The water locust fell on top of two groupings of yaupon holly, one marked 'male' and the other marked 'female.' Both groupings of holly sustained similar damage, and both are expected to make a full recovery.
 |
| This yaupon holly is marked 'female.' |
 |
The thick water locust trunk rests on the splitting yaupon holly.
|
 |
This yaupon holly is marked 'male.' That's an important consideration for dioecious trees. Male yaupons won't make the pretty red berries!
|
 |
This yaupon holly trunk is split and will need to be cut.
|
The two yaupon hollies will be just fine. Unfortunately we lost our only specimen of Gleditsia aquatica. Luckily, a seedling was growing in the leaf litter. Earlier this week we dug it up and potted it. Hopefully this volunteer will grow up quickly and be transplanted back into the arboretum, although it might be difficult locating a suitable spot for it. But where there's a will, there's a way.
