Tree Parables

I really enjoy being out in the country and being able to observe how trees live and die. I find parallels with my life and my children’s life. But in a much more visible and quicker way. I’d like to share with you stories from my land, as well as stories that have made an impact on my life.

Shock of a Cherry Tree

I purchased about 14 trees last winter and planted them just before spring. I took a course to try to plant them well and learn how to take care of them. You can see my post here We Got Trees to get a better description.

I am getting my education on Tree Husbandry with this small orchard. With all the trees I purchased I did the same thing to all of them. Gave them the same water, dug roughly the same size hole and fertilized with the same fertilizer.

However, one Cherry Tree responded differently to the same inputs. It had a healthy head of green growth, that all died back. Then new growth further down the trunk started to grow. It appears the tree expierenced a good amount of trauma and shock from being transplanted and the new soil it is in.

Reminds me of what fostered or adopted children feel, being transplanted from their family, into another family, or multiple families. Shock that kills off all the growth. Then the tree/child needs to start new.

Almost Dead tree

I begin to think I understand what is happening only to find out I don’t. This is especially true after I’ve spent money on what I thought was true.

Last year, with those 14 trees was one Pink Lady Apple tree. I planted it, watered it, and it seemed to be going strong. Sometimes a lot of ants and little bugs (aphids maybe). Would crawl on all the fresh new leaves. I googled what to do and it said to put some mild soapy water on those leaves from time to time.

I thought I was taking good care of the tree. But this spring the leaves were very droopy and began to turn red. It didn’t look like a fungus, or blight, so I assumed it needed more nutrition.

With Fish fertilizer I fertilized the tree. Within a day the leaves were no longer droopy and I thought I’d cured the tree. No luck. The leaves continued to die and fall off.

After that, I figured I’d tried everything and it was as good a time as any to give up. I bought a new Sundowner apple tree to replace this dead tree. Sundowners are a near cousin of Pink Lady apples. The day I went to plant it, I found this!

SPROUTS. It’s not dead. With all my supposed wisdom, I did not know that the tree wasn’t dead. it was waiting to grow new leaves. Now I have 3 apple trees instead of 1. I bought 2 more to replace the one because of pollination. If you’d like cider, or apples, come find me in 5 years.