If a Tree Falls in the Yard...

A couple of weeks ago, we heard a lot of wind and rain one night. When we woke up the next morning, we discovered a major change in our lake view. Well, as you can see, there are definitely fewer trees than when we went to bed. Luckily, the sign that tells us where to find fish & cookies is intact. Whew!

We always wondered what a tree looked like underground- we finally got our answer! This was a big oak by the lake. It’s kind of hard to believe the roots were so small for a tree that huge. This poor rock is going to be pretty lonely when they come to clean up the tree.

We looked over and saw two more tree roots only this time it was two red pines that had grown close together. Dan said this tree was about 75 ‘ tall and weighed about 3000#. Good thing Wol the Owl decided to come in last night to play games and then was too tired to go out and sleep in the tree. We hate to think how far away the wind would have taken Wol if this is what happened to her favorite tree!

It looked like this tree was partly dead already. It was a maple and will be missed, although Dan never liked to rake the leaves in the fall. We were hoping for some maple syrup one of these days. Maybe we’ll have to go to the Blondos for that treat.

We kept exploring. Everywhere we went, there were more downed trees. We heard Dan say that because summer has been so dry, when the big winds came off the lake it was just too much! We heard that maybe 10 trees fell kind of like dominoes, where one fell into another and then another.

Branches everywhere! We just couldn’t believe how many! Since then, Dan has cut up some of the larger oak and maple branches for firewood. Of course, its been so dry that campfires are banned right now …. but come winter there will plenty of wood for everyone! Come on by for a fire and some hot chocolate anytime.

Flicker really wants to have this tree left behind in the yard. So many delicious insect snacks could be in here. In fact, it would save on the grocery bills! One less friend to feed…

We had always seen this strange egg shaped object on the oak tree by the lake. We learned it was a place for wood ducks to make a nest or home. Of course we all had to take a closer look. And Flicker’s checking it out as a possible place to stay. Looks pretty cozy!

Well we are looking forward to the tree removal guy who’s coming over on Aug 31st to start the clean up! Can’t wait to see the new look. By the way, our flagpole blew down and is currently under a tree. We hope it can be saved!

Stay tuned for our next report!

Scottie, Flicker, Wol the Owl, and Loonie