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.
3,459 responses to “Forest giants weather age, development”
Appreciate the tips on cross-chain liquidity safety.
Finally a guide that makes bridging feel easy!
I will also like to state that most individuals who find themselves with out health insurance can be students, self-employed and those that are without a job. More than half of those uninsured are under the age of Thirty five. They do not think they are in need of health insurance as they are young in addition to healthy. Its income is often spent on property, food, and entertainment. Many people that do work either complete or in their free time are not offered insurance by way of their work so they get along without due to rising expense of health insurance in the United States. Thanks for the ideas you reveal through your blog.
Today, considering the fast life-style that everyone is having, credit cards get this amazing demand throughout the economy. Persons from every discipline are using the credit card and people who not using the credit cards have made up their minds to apply for one. Thanks for discussing your ideas about credit cards.
This actually answered my problem, thanks!
hey there and thank you for your info ? I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues using this web site, since I experienced to reload the web site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and could damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective interesting content. Make sure you update this again soon..
Incredibly helpful guide for anyone staking on iziswap.
This design is spectacular! You definitely know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
Porn
The real-life scenarios were super relatable and useful.
Finally a guide that makes bridging feel easy!
Great write-up, I?m normal visitor of one?s website, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
After I originally left a comment I appear to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on every time a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. There has to be an easy method you can remove me from that service? Thanks.
It?s actually a nice and helpful piece of info. I?m satisfied that you just shared this useful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thank you Nevertheless I’m experiencing problem with ur rss . Don?t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting similar rss drawback? Anyone who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx
I just added this web site to my rss reader, excellent stuff. Can’t get enough!
Thanks for another great article. Where else could anyone get that kind of info in such a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such info.
Hey! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to resolve this problem. If you have any recommendations, please share. Appreciate it!
It is really a great and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
okmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I am quite certain I will learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I am very glad to see such fantastic info being shared freely out there.
I am not sure where you are getting your info, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for great information I was looking for this information for my mission.
Attractive element of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to say that I acquire actually loved account your weblog posts. Anyway I will be subscribing to your feeds or even I achievement you get right of entry to persistently rapidly.
Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice article.
It is my belief that mesothelioma is actually the most deadly cancer. It contains unusual traits. The more I actually look at it a lot more I am assured it does not act like a true solid cells cancer. In the event that mesothelioma is actually a rogue virus-like infection, so there is the prospects for developing a vaccine along with offering vaccination for asbestos exposed people who are really at high risk involving developing potential asbestos connected malignancies. Thanks for sharing your ideas about this important health issue.
This design is spectacular! You certainly know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
I love reading a post that will make people think. Also, thanks for allowing me to comment.
I?m impressed, I need to say. Actually not often do I encounter a weblog that?s each educative and entertaining, and let me let you know, you might have hit the nail on the head. Your thought is excellent; the issue is one thing that not enough individuals are speaking intelligently about. I’m very joyful that I stumbled across this in my seek for something relating to this.
I just couldn’t leave your web site before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard information a person supply in your visitors? Is going to be again ceaselessly to check up on new posts
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article writer for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested. Cheers!
Buy Drugs
daftar totocc
Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for information about this subject for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered so far. But, what about the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?
A few things i have constantly told men and women is that when searching for a good on the net electronics retail store, there are a few elements that you have to take into account. First and foremost, you should really make sure to get a reputable and in addition, reliable store that has obtained great assessments and classification from other buyers and marketplace advisors. This will make sure that you are getting through with a well-known store that gives good services and help to its patrons. Many thanks sharing your opinions on this site.
Thanks for this excellent article. One other thing is that a lot of digital cameras come equipped with some sort of zoom lens that enables more or less of a scene to generally be included simply by ‘zooming’ in and out. These types of changes in {focus|focusing|concentration|target|the a**** length tend to be reflected in the viewfinder and on significant display screen right on the back of the camera.
There are some fascinating closing dates on this article however I don?t know if I see all of them center to heart. There may be some validity but I will take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like more! Added to FeedBurner as effectively
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Many thanks, However I am encountering problems with your RSS. I don’t know the reason why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting the same RSS issues? Anyone that knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanks!!
I used to be very pleased to seek out this net-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful learn!! I undoubtedly having fun with each little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
I have seen many useful items on your internet site about computers. However, I’ve the opinion that laptops are still less than powerful more than enough to be a sensible choice if you usually do things that require plenty of power, like video croping and editing. But for world-wide-web surfing, word processing, and the majority of other popular computer functions they are perfectly, provided you can’t mind the small screen size. Many thanks sharing your notions.
Thanks for sharing most of these wonderful posts. In addition, the optimal travel in addition to medical insurance approach can often relieve those problems that come with travelling abroad. A new medical crisis can before long become expensive and that’s sure to quickly put a financial load on the family finances. Having in place the suitable travel insurance program prior to leaving is worth the time and effort. Thanks a lot
Howdy just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.
Hello there, You have done an incredible job. I will certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.
Right here is the right blog for everyone who wants to understand this topic. You realize a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally will need to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject which has been written about for many years. Great stuff, just excellent.
Hi there! I simply wish to give you a huge thumbs up for your great information you have here on this post. I’ll be returning to your web site for more soon.
Thanks for your publication. I also believe laptop computers are getting to be more and more popular right now, and now are often the only sort of computer included in a household. This is because at the same time they are becoming more and more cost-effective, their processing power is growing to the point where they may be as highly effective as desktop computers coming from just a few in years past.
I’ve learned some new things as a result of your web site. One other thing I’d like to say is the fact newer pc os’s are inclined to allow extra memory for use, but they additionally demand more ram simply to operate. If your computer can not handle more memory as well as newest software requires that storage increase, it can be the time to buy a new Laptop or computer. Thanks
I used to be suggested this blog through my cousin. I am not certain whether this post is written via him as no one else realize such precise about my problem. You’re amazing! Thank you!
One thing I’d really like to say is always that car insurance cancelling is a dreaded experience and if you are doing the suitable things as being a driver you may not get one. Lots of people do obtain the notice that they have been officially dumped by their insurance company they then have to scramble to get supplemental insurance after the cancellation. Low-priced auto insurance rates tend to be hard to get after the cancellation. Having the main reasons regarding auto insurance termination can help people prevent getting rid of in one of the most crucial privileges obtainable. Thanks for the concepts shared via your blog.
This will be a terrific site, will you be involved in doing an interview about just how you designed it? If so e-mail me!