As one travels along the 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, dead trees are highly noticeable when found among the surrounding thick forest. Numerous causes of tree losses can occur, including climate change, resettling air pollution from other regions, invasive species, disease or old age.
A 2020 study found that about a quarter of tree biomass loss in the Blue Ridge Mountains—roughly one-quarter of tree death—over the past three decades was linked to invasive species and diseases transported by humans. However, the research found that the forest they studied remained healthy overall, even as trees impacted by invasive species died. That’s because forests are resilient.
The average above-ground biomass, a measure of trees above the soil, actually increased as trees that were impacted less by the invasive pests and pathogens grew. Tree biodiversity also did not change much. “In some patches, you see more species than you would have in the past. It works because it’s a fairly diverse forest, so you’re losing some species, and less affected species are filling in.”
I don’t know what caused the subject tree of my photo to die, but I found it to be interesting composition, silhouetted among and against its surroundings.
Such an intriguing shape – and love all the branches. I’ve always found it fascinating how the branches are also similar to a river delta. I am sure there is some technical name for it, but I guess I’ll have to look that up. :)
We’ve gone through a bit of local drama with some trees here – big trees, 200+ years old – and very healthy, targeted for execution in the name of development and adding housing capacity – in a floodplain of all places. So William Blake’s quote now comes to mind : “The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way.”
Yes, nature’s designs have a certain rhyme and reason, although I’m unsure how to define them. I should also look them up. But they are attention-grabbing and fascinating in their details.
I believe I saw your Facebook post about the recent council vote that had doomed some ancient and substantial trees. It’s such a shame, but Blake was right on point. Especially if money or politics are involved.
I believe them when they say nature will have the last say, no matter much money someone has. Again, you said it well,”That’s because forests are resilient.” I am learning late in life to spend more time in nature, rather than just an observer. And that is something I’m grateful for! I know some of the old cottonwood trees I have photographed in the past are no longer there, replaced by houses, asphalt, concrete and cars. Sigh!
Nature may not process intelligence in the way we define it, but I believe that there is a point where nature reacts to resolve and adapt to imbalances. These reactions may take the form of new or evolving, possibly harmful microbes and pathogens, or the changing and shifting of species and habitats, which could, among other things, affect food chains. I wish humanity could evolve to a point where we instinctively embrace rather than destroy. But perhaps that’s a pipe dream. 🙄