This giant sugar maple has lived a long life in the woods near our house. It’s a favorite of mine, and I greet it almost every day as I run through the woods—”Good morning grandfather.” I’d guess it’s around 200 years old. Most of the land in our area has been clear-cut at least twice since Colonial times, and the majority of the bigger trees around us are no older than 60 or 70 years old. The term “witness tree” is used in these parts to describe trees that a farmer would leave standing to help define his property line (note the stone wall in the foreground). There were several such witness trees along this property line, most having given way to gravity and crashed to the ground. This one remains though it’s shedding branches and it’s only a matter of time before it too succumbs.
Nikon D600, Nikon 18-35mm lens @ 18mm, ISO 1250, f/16, 1/25″ exposure.
September 14, 2013 at 7:49 pm
And what handsome witness tree he still is after all these years. Good of you to so appreciate him while you can John.
September 15, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Thanks Linda. Trees have always been special to me. This one especially. A few years back I created a multi-photo sculpture of it. It’s a nice piece…
September 15, 2013 at 4:30 pm
I’d love to see a photo of that …
September 16, 2013 at 1:04 am
Hi Linda,
Here’s a link to another blog I kept for a while–Creative Compulsion. This post discussed the Witness Tree sculpture I made:
http://creativecompulsion.wordpress.com/2010/11/04/witness-tree-2/
Cheers,
John
September 16, 2013 at 1:16 pm
Thanks for that awesome link… and I’d respectfully suggest that you ought to reconsider when you humbly call it a ”a nice piece”. I’m sure it’s captivated the attention of many a visitor to your home. It’s beyond beautiful.
September 16, 2013 at 1:59 pm
Thanks so much Linda–I really appreciate it! The piece actually did win a “best in show” award once at a juried show, so I guess you’re not the only one who likes it!