Run your hand across the bark of the ancient tree. It is craggy and weathered, splotched by moss and pale green lichens.
Now look up. You’re in the presence of a giant.
Scattered throughout East Texas are a handful of trees that have escaped the logging and clearing of the past 150 years. With help from a state program that identifies and protects the biggest of the big, many of them will still be here long after their current owners are gone.
“Big trees really capture people’s imaginations,” said Pete Smith, a Texas Forest Service employee who manages the state program called Big Tree Registry.
“Especially the biggest of the big, they really dwarf us, and I think there’s some connection that people have with the biggest trees. Of course, this is Texas, so the biggest of anything is noteworthy,” Smith said. “And finding a true champion really does spark the imagination because the tree is older than us, in all likelihood, and anything that lasts longer than a human’s lifespan we memorialize in some way.”
It’s worth noting that those saplings will grow into helpful giants that suck up carbon dioxide, release the oxygen that people breathe, hold soil in place, shade homes and provide habitat for wild animals, arborists say.
Many of the trees on the Big Tree Registry come from the counties surrounding Longview. By identifying the state’s largest pines, oaks and other species, the forest service aims to protect the arboreal specimens while sparking an interest and appreciation for trees.
“My goal is to bring these trees to the public so people can ultimately see them, if not touch them,” Smith said.
Of the nearly 20 champion trees in the Longview area, the winning loblolly pine, willow oak, wax myrtle and eastern redbud are profiled below.
LOBLOLLY PINE
Scientific name: Pinus taeda
Where: Rusk County
Circumference: 165 inches
Height: 130 feet
Crown spread: 49 feet
Measured: November 2008
Nominated by: Fred Spivey
Not long ago, Texas’ biggest loblolly pine tree on record was just one of many giant pines that grew in a forest near Mount Enterprise.
“I was raised up where that tree was,” said Fred Spivey, a Mount Enterprise timber grower. “I lived maybe four miles from there. We’d go in there and squirrel hunt with a shotgun, and those trees were so tall a shotgun wouldn’t shoot a squirrel at the top. But you could shoot it with a .22.”
By the time Spivey purchased the property in 1992, the giant pine was the only big tree left standing on the property.
“The guys that owned the land before that, they cut everything,” he said. “There could have been some trees just as big, but they cut everything. That was a shame. I would have saved all the big trees, but they done that before I bought the land. Lucky they didn’t cut this one.”
Spivey also owns the state’s No. 2 giant loblolly, on a different property in Mount Enterprise. The No. 1 tree, he estimates, is between 150 and 200 years old. He keeps the area trimmed and has planted timber around it, so it’s no longer alone in a clear-cut field.
“It worried me that lightning would strike it because it was standing by itself,” he said.
WILLOW OAK
Scientific name: Quercus phellos
Where: Harrison County
Trunk circumference: 244 inches
Height: 107 feet
Crown spread: 118 feet
Measured: August 2008
Nominated by: David Simpson
Before the Civil War, a willow oak grew on a cotton plantation in Karnack, where more than 100 slaves toiled for a pioneer woman and likely divorcee named Rebecca McIntosh Hagerty.
Later, Lady Bird Johnson’s family owned the property, known as the Phoenix plantation, and the tree continued to grow.
Today, it’s the largest known willow oak in Texas, with limbs so big they could pass for trees in their own right. Owner David Simpson estimates the oak is around 200 years old.
“It’s just a mammoth tree. It covers almost two acres of ground,” said Simpson, a timber grower who purchased the property in 2002. “We all speculate that this big old tree was probably a hanging tree at one time. Its big and low-lying limbs would suit a quick rope and noose, but that’s just pure speculation.”
The Hagerty family’s remains are buried in a little cemetery near the tree, not far from a historic barn that Simpson has converted into a lodge for his family.
When a tree doctor left a rope hanging from the oak, Simpson turned it into a swing.
“My children love to swing on it,” he said. “It’s a very enjoyable tree. It provides a lot of shade and causes you to speculate about what happened in the previous 200 years.”
WAX MYRTLE (SOUTHERN BAYBERRY)
Scientific name: Morella cerifera
Where: Gregg County
Trunk circumference: 17 inches
Height: 29 feet
Crown spread: 18 feet
Measured: July 2006
Nominated by: Dencil Marsh
Dencil Marsh was exploring a forest one day when he stumbled upon an oddly shaped tree growing in a depression on 30 acres that had been set aside for the Longview Arboretum and Gardens.
It was a wax myrtle tree, and it dwarfed the others he has seen.
“It’s a shrub or bushy tree that every rancher in East Texas tries to get rid of,” said Marsh, the arboretum founder.
“It’s a nuisance to every farmer in East Texas.”
Later, Marsh showed the wax myrtle to Stephen F. Austin State University horticulturist Dave Creech, who was in town while developing a master plan for the arboretum, which is next to the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center.
“He said, ‘Golly, Dencil, that’s the biggest one I’ve ever seen. That might be some kind of record.’ ”
Texas Forest Service employees went out to measure it, and sure enough, it was the biggest.
“Right now we’ve got the bragging rights,” Marsh said. “Now, it’s not much of a tree, but it’s not much of a bush, either.”
EASTERN REDBUD
Scientific name: Cercis canadensis var. canadensis
Where: Upshur County
Trunk circumference: 78 inches
Height: 42 feet
Crown spread: 40 feet
Measured: April 1997
Nominated by: Marie Johnson
The state’s biggest redbud is a reminder that even champions grow old and die. State forester Ken Conaway of Gilmer checked on the redbud in Ore City a week ago and found that time has taken its toll on the tree. It is no longer the magnificent specimen it was in 1997, when Marie Johnson nominated it.
“There is another contender for the title in Smith County, and I suspect it may declared the champion soon,” Conaway said in an e-mail.
2,992 responses to “Forest giants weather age, development”
I’d also like to say that most of those who find themselves devoid of health insurance are normally students, self-employed and people who are unemployed. More than half from the uninsured are under the age of Thirty five. They do not experience they are looking for health insurance simply because they’re young and also healthy. Its income is often spent on houses, food, plus entertainment. Some people that do represent the working class either 100 or in their free time are not given insurance by means of their work so they get along without with the rising tariff of health insurance in the United States. Thanks for the tips you discuss through this site.
Wow! This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Magnificent. I am also an expert in this topic therefore I can understand your hard work.
Thanks , I’ve just been searching for information approximately this subject for ages and yours is the best I’ve came upon so far. However, what about the conclusion? Are you sure in regards to the source?
This is the fitting blog for anyone who wants to seek out out about this topic. You understand a lot its nearly onerous to argue with you (not that I really would need?HaHa). You positively put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply nice!
One more thing. It’s my opinion that there are several travel insurance internet sites of dependable companies than enable you to enter your vacation details and get you the estimates. You can also purchase an international travel cover policy online by using your credit card. All you need to do is usually to enter your current travel details and you can begin to see the plans side-by-side. Just find the system that suits your financial allowance and needs after which use your bank credit card to buy the item. Travel insurance on the web is a good way to search for a respected company for international travel cover. Thanks for revealing your ideas.
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I’ve found something that helped me. Thanks!
Can I just say what a aid to find somebody who truly knows what theyre speaking about on the internet. You undoubtedly know how to carry an issue to light and make it important. Extra people must learn this and understand this aspect of the story. I cant consider youre not more standard since you positively have the gift.
Hey there, You’ve performed a great job. I will certainly digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this site.
Aw, this was a very good post. Finding the time and actual effort to create a good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
Thanks for your article on this blog site. From my personal experience, there are times when softening way up a photograph may provide the photography with an amount of an imaginative flare. Often times however, this soft clouds isn’t just what you had under consideration and can sometimes spoil an otherwise good image, especially if you anticipate enlarging this.
With everything which seems to be developing inside this subject material, all your points of view tend to be rather exciting. However, I beg your pardon, because I do not give credence to your entire suggestion, all be it radical none the less. It seems to us that your comments are actually not completely rationalized and in actuality you are yourself not fully confident of your point. In any event I did appreciate examining it.
Things i have often told individuals is that when evaluating a good on-line electronics retail outlet, there are a few factors that you have to take into account. First and foremost, you need to make sure to locate a reputable and also reliable retailer that has got great assessments and rankings from other people and business world experts. This will make sure that you are dealing with a well-known store that can offer good service and aid to it’s patrons. Many thanks sharing your opinions on this blog.
Good post! We will be linking to this great content on our site. Keep up the great writing.
This blog was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Appreciate it!
I relish, cause I found just what I used to be taking a look for. You’ve ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
It is perfect time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I may I desire to recommend you some fascinating issues or advice. Perhaps you could write subsequent articles regarding this article. I desire to learn even more issues about it!
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What a great web-site.
Throughout this grand pattern of things you actually get an A+ for effort and hard work. Where you actually confused me personally ended up being on all the details. You know, it is said, the devil is in the details… And it couldn’t be much more true right here. Having said that, allow me inform you what exactly did deliver the results. Your text is certainly incredibly powerful which is possibly the reason why I am taking an effort to opine. I do not make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, even though I can easily notice the jumps in reason you come up with, I am not really certain of exactly how you seem to unite the points which produce the final result. For the moment I will yield to your position however hope in the future you actually connect your dots much better.
I have been exploring for a bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i?m happy to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to do not forget this web site and give it a look on a constant basis.
Thanks for your intriguing article. Other thing is that mesothelioma cancer is generally attributable to the breathing of fibers from asbestos, which is a very toxic material. Its commonly seen among staff in the building industry that have long contact with asbestos. It is also caused by residing in asbestos insulated buildings for a long period of time, Genetics plays a crucial role, and some consumers are more vulnerable on the risk when compared with others.
Thanks for the recommendations you have discussed here. Something else I would like to convey is that personal computer memory demands generally go up along with other improvements in the technological know-how. For instance, whenever new generations of cpus are brought to the market, there’s usually an equivalent increase in the size and style demands of all computer memory as well as hard drive room. This is because the software program operated by way of these processor chips will inevitably boost in power to take advantage of the new know-how.
Magnificent site. Lots of useful info here. I?m sending it to a few friends ans also sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks for your effort!
Terrific work! This is the type of information that should be shared around the net. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my site . Thanks =)
I have noticed that over the course of making a relationship with real estate entrepreneurs, you’ll be able to come to understand that, in most real estate transaction, a commission amount is paid. Ultimately, FSBO sellers really don’t “save” the payment. Rather, they try to win the commission by doing a great agent’s occupation. In completing this task, they spend their money plus time to complete, as best they’re able to, the duties of an agent. Those tasks include displaying the home through marketing, representing the home to all buyers, constructing a sense of buyer emergency in order to induce an offer, preparing home inspections, controlling qualification investigations with the loan company, supervising repairs, and aiding the closing of the deal.
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read even more things about it!
What i don’t understood is actually how you’re not really much more well-liked than you may be right now. You’re so intelligent. You realize therefore considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always maintain it up!
Thanks for your write-up. What I want to comment on is that when you are evaluating a good on the net electronics go shopping, look for a web-site with full information on critical indicators such as the personal privacy statement, protection details, payment procedures, along with terms in addition to policies. Usually take time to investigate the help plus FAQ segments to get a far better idea of how a shop operates, what they are able to do for you, and ways in which you can make use of the features.
Wonderful work! This is the type of info that should be shared around the internet. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher! Come on over and visit my web site . Thanks =)
Hello my family member! I wish to say that this article is amazing, great written and come with almost all vital infos. I would like to look more posts like this .
You made some decent points there. I looked on the web for the issue and located most individuals will associate with with your website.
whoah this blog is magnificent i love reading your posts. Keep up the good work! You know, a lot of people are searching around for this information, you could aid them greatly.
Hi there, You’ve done an incredible job. I?ll definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this site.
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!?
I discovered your weblog site on google and verify a number of of your early posts. Continue to keep up the excellent operate. I simply extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. In search of forward to studying extra from you afterward!?
Hiya, I am really glad I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and net and this is really annoying. A good website with exciting content, that is what I need. Thanks for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Cant find it.
I have taken note that of all forms of insurance, medical care insurance is the most controversial because of the turmoil between the insurance plan company’s duty to remain profitable and the consumer’s need to have insurance plan. Insurance companies’ commissions on wellness plans are incredibly low, consequently some businesses struggle to generate income. Thanks for the suggestions you share through this website.
A person essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to make this particular publish amazing. Excellent job!
Thanks for another fantastic article. Where else could anybody get that type of info in such an ideal way of writing? I have a presentation next week, and I’m on the look for such information.
Good post right here. One thing I would really like to say is most professional career fields consider the Bachelor’s Degree as the entry level requirement for an online college diploma. Although Associate Certification are a great way to begin, completing your own Bachelors starts up many entrances to various occupations, there are numerous internet Bachelor Course Programs available by institutions like The University of Phoenix, Intercontinental University Online and Kaplan. Another issue is that many brick and mortar institutions make available Online editions of their certifications but often for a extensively higher cost than the providers that specialize in online higher education degree plans.
I’d also like to convey that most individuals who find themselves without the need of health insurance are generally students, self-employed and people who are laid-off. More than half with the uninsured are under the age of Thirty five. They do not sense they are in need of health insurance as they are young and healthy. The income is normally spent on housing, food, and also entertainment. A lot of people that do represent the working class either complete or in their free time are not supplied insurance through their work so they go without owing to the rising expense of health insurance in the us. Thanks for the tips you write about through this blog.
Thanks for your article. One other thing is the fact that individual states in the United states of america have their particular laws of which affect property owners, which makes it very hard for the our elected representatives to come up with the latest set of recommendations concerning foreclosures on home owners. The problem is that each state has own regulations which may work in an adverse manner in regards to foreclosure plans.
Thanks for the points shared in your blog. Something else I would like to state is that weight reduction is not exactly about going on a celebrity diet and trying to shed as much weight as possible in a couple of days. The most effective way to shed pounds is by having it slowly but surely and right after some basic tips which can provide help to make the most through your attempt to lose weight. You may understand and already be following these tips, although reinforcing understanding never does any damage.
Thanks for the new things you have discovered in your article. One thing I’d like to reply to is that FSBO associations are built over time. By introducing yourself to owners the first saturday their FSBO will be announced, prior to the masses begin calling on Mon, you create a good relationship. By sending them equipment, educational elements, free records, and forms, you become an ally. If you take a personal desire for them and their circumstance, you produce a solid network that, oftentimes, pays off in the event the owners opt with a realtor they know as well as trust – preferably you actually.
excellent put up, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I?ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.
Thanks for discussing your ideas in this article. The other factor is that when a problem arises with a laptop motherboard, individuals should not consider the risk connected with repairing it themselves for if it is not done properly it can lead to permanent damage to all the laptop. It will always be safe just to approach any dealer of your laptop for your repair of that motherboard. They’ve got technicians with an skills in dealing with mobile computer motherboard difficulties and can make right diagnosis and undertake repairs.
Great blog post. What I would like to make contributions about is that laptop or computer memory ought to be purchased should your computer still cannot cope with everything you do by using it. One can set up two good old ram boards having 1GB each, in particular, but not certainly one of 1GB and one with 2GB. One should make sure the manufacturer’s documentation for the PC to make certain what type of memory is necessary.
Thanks for your exciting article. Other thing is that mesothelioma cancer is generally brought on by the breathing of material from asbestos fiber, which is a extremely dangerous material. It is commonly noticed among staff in the engineering industry that have long contact with asbestos. It is caused by moving into asbestos covered buildings for a long period of time, Genetic makeup plays a huge role, and some persons are more vulnerable towards the risk in comparison with others.
I?ll right away grab your rss as I can’t find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.
I will right away grab your rss feed as I can’t find your email subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me know in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.