As shown on a previous post, which you can read here, the arboretum lost an important tree this spring: our water locust (Gleditsia aquatica). The tree fell more than a month ago. Continued rainy, stormy weather has not allowed for a swift cleanup operation. Most of the damage, and specifically the hazardous parts, were cleared during the first week of May. More work remains.
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| Most of the water locust and broken yaupon holly branches were removed by the Centenary College grounds crew. Large pieces of the water locust trunk remain for observation. There isn't a hurry to remove the nicely shaped logs; however, the railing ought to be fixed soon to prevent an accidental stumble into the lower drainage basin. Note: the railing isn't meant to keep visitors out of the drainage basin—there aren't any 'off limits' areas of the arboretum. |
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As we see in this photo, there is a drop-off from the pedestrian area into the basin. The railing draws attention to the basin and prevents folks from haphazardly dashing off into the lower area. Also, a locust grew here, so there are plenty of dangerous spikes on the ground, hidden among the vines and irises.
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Interestingly, when time came to saw the trunk that remained in the lower pond, fresh shoots were noticed. This part of the trunk was still attached to the in-ground root system.
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Indeed, the water locust would really prefer to defy death.
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Once again, the ground here is littered with nasty locust caltrops.
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Here we can see why the tree fell. The entire root ball dry-rotted and turned to a spongy cork-like material.
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Update: after a great deal of sweat and oil, the fallen trunk is gone. Only a series of blogposts remain.
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Soon the undergrowth will expand to fill the empty space. In a year or two, this miniature glade will be choked out by undergrowth.
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Our resident Arboretum Tabby is a great cheerleader and encouragement. "Good job," it says. "Just keep your distance. I'm feral."
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