Maintaining our
wooded heritage for
future generations. 		      N 43° 21.598'
      W 81° 17.683'
      Elev. 1064 ft.

Decline Of The Maple Tree

In 2002, the largest maple tree in the woodlot unexpectedly died. It represented a significant timber value but also a major potential for wildlife habitat. After heated debate by the entire membership, the decision was made to leave it to serve as a "den tree". Part of that decision included documenting the decline for educational purposes. The following are photos as time and mother nature breaks down the once stately tree. Most photos are taken at the beginning of May.
Click photos for larger view. Note: Most pictures are composites due to height of tree.

On November 4, 1979, the London Free Press ran a full page photo feature titled: "His trees get tender loving care" by Ed Heal. This was the origin of our treasured "Tree Hugger" photo -- but it also documents something else -- the largest tree in the woods at that time. That same tree, a quarter century later, is the subject of our own documentation here as it completes the circle of life (and death) and returns to the earth.

Although pictured from a different camera angle, your can identify many of the unique features of the magestic specimen. The photo is as published -- complete with the inset of our tree hugger.
The caption reads:
          Sawyer's favourite tree (he shows his affection, inset) is
         this 125 year-old maple that stretches above everything
         in the woodlot.

2003

A stately tree still with fine branches in place. Looks like all other wintering trees.




2004

Fine branches disappearing. Bark deterioration noticable.
2005

Fine branches all gone. Many small branches gone as well. Notice bracket fungi forming at base.




2006

No small branches remain. Some bigger branches have fallen. Upper bark practically all gone. Evidence of birds feeding. Bracket fungi present at higher points.

2007

No bark present in crown area. Only larger branches remain. Now providing a valuable food source for birds.




2008

Branches extend only a short distance from the trunk. A few years ago, the crown displayed a majestic diameter of nearly 75 feet.

2009

The decline continues. Larger branches continue to fall. Compare the upper branches year-to-year to see the reduction of the crown.

A number of photos were taken to document the decline in greater detail.
Click here
to view those photos.



2010

Seems like only major branches now remain. It is possible that it is beginning to lean.

2011

Fewer branches remain. Most of the bark has fallen. Wildlife dens appearing within the tree.




How To Study These Photos

Look for specific changes over time. For example, notice the large branch with the elbow bend on the right side of the tree. In the 2003 photo, the branch is progressively subdivided into many small branches in the upper crown area. The next 3 years sees the upper area decline and disappear. The 2007 photo show that the branch has broken just below the the elbow feature with only the base portion remaining on the tree.

Look at other specific areas of the photos and observe the year by year changes.