tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770040501124297598.post7518876476318714046..comments2023-12-26T22:25:11.197-05:00Comments on Weekend hiker: Fallen GiantsHeberfarnsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00410284354232381519noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770040501124297598.post-5820412579328164472009-02-18T10:14:00.000-05:002009-02-18T10:14:00.000-05:00Most of the uprooted trees you see along the Middl...Most of the uprooted trees you see along the Middle Fork fell during ice storms in December 2006. Because of the shallow soil on the ridges and hillsides, the root systems of these trees don't have much to hold onto, and when laden with ice, the roots fail and the tree topples. It doesn't help that many of the black oaks in this area are stressed from oak borer beetles and recent droughts (which explains why so many are hollow and rotting; if you look close at the cuts you'll often see the 1/4" bore holes from the beetles).<BR/><BR/>The northern Middle Fork and southern Trace Creek sections were just trashed from the '06 storm. We sawed no less than 500 trees from along 20 miles of trail. If you look just off trail on some hillsides you'll see 50 or more uprooted trees in a single place.<BR/><BR/>There were also some high winds and even a tornado in the area in early 2006. We about wore out our chainsaws cleaning trail that year.<BR/><BR/>You can see the tornado swath on Goggins Mountain just south of Padfield Branch.Johnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17880881243304634188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770040501124297598.post-73497070014721430412009-02-06T23:20:00.000-05:002009-02-06T23:20:00.000-05:00I bet wind bursts could also be another reason for...I bet wind bursts could also be another reason for the tree falls. If you can, you should get a copy of the Wessels book I reviewed, either at Amazon or by inter-library loan. It is really an eye opener. Thanks for turning me onto your other favorite blog about the Ozarks. It is wonderful.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770040501124297598.post-25147250844552162502009-01-31T17:56:00.000-05:002009-01-31T17:56:00.000-05:00No, the tree fell because of the storm. The chain...No, the tree fell because of the storm. The chainsawing happened afterward to clear the trail.Heberfarnsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00410284354232381519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7770040501124297598.post-63711036155527891512009-01-31T17:32:00.000-05:002009-01-31T17:32:00.000-05:00Of course, the tree featured in your last picture ...Of course, the tree featured in your last picture does not appear to have fallen by itself. It got chainsawed, possibly because it was sick and rotting out on the inside.<BR/><BR/>My best guess: wood on younger trees is softer, perhaps because it is growing more quickly. Thus the wood on the inside of the tree (from when it was young) rots more quickly, whether it be while the tree is standing or after it has fallen.<BR/><BR/>I'd love to talk to a biologist and get a more expert opinion, though.Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11216967237392666778noreply@blogger.com