Ancient Forest Visual Cues to Old Trees

[Hyn Patty]

I thought this an interesting read. It is an article that is very informative on how to ID ancient trees visually:
http://ancientforest.org/recognizing-old-trees

If fact the entire website at www.ancientforest.org is worth exploring.

 

[Hyn Patty]

I got into this exploration, btw, because our cabin is located in a fairly old growth area of the Nantahalla National Forest. I am working to save our huge old hemlocks from HWA and curious to see if I can find out about how old they may be. The one out front is easily three feet wide. I need to measure it.

 

[Hyn Patty]

I am also trying to find out about NC law and regulations as concerns private property within National Forest areas. So looking for websites that list that sort of information as well.

 

[WNC Bonsai]

When I first started work with the Dept of Interior I did dendrochronology and I did my masters thesis on hemlock and still have my old increment borer for extracting cores to date their age. Maybe we can work a deal once you find out what kinds of trees you have up on the ridge. I’m sure you’ve looked into the HWA treament options. In small areas like my yard I dump a few gallons of Bayer systemic insecticide around each one to kill them but that has to be repeated every 2-3 years. In the forest they have been experimenting with a couple kinds of insects that prey on the HWA. Don’t know if they are available to private landowners. As for the legal issue just call the main forest office and explain oyur question. I’m sure they can advise you.

 

[Aeast]

Very good read

 

[Hyn Patty]

Thanks, Cofga. I have been reading up extensively on HWA and the Savethehemlocks website has been of great help! I don’t think I would be eager to bore any trees for fear of harming them, so best guesses at ages is good enough for me. I don’t really need to know. Merely curious. I will check out the forest office once we are done moving in the next two weeks.