Re-runs 1
John is traveling. This essay appeared May 12, 2015
Our juvenile trees are enjoying the wet spring. They’ve done a good job of growing up, but now branches are pushing away from the main trunk. They are now truly supplicants to the sun, with their arms outstretched, faces turned upwards, eyes closed, gathering in the sun drops for energy and strength. The increased reach, will lead to increased growth. An extra benefit will come later as the enlarged canopies will help shade the trunks during the summers to come and keep the roots cool.
While the ground is still moist, I should probably mulch around the trees. It will cut down on the competition for nutrients, add life to the soil, capture moisture, and make them feel as though they are living in a canopied forest. The big oaks seemed to enjoy it, so I imagine their smaller brothers will feel the same. Besides, it will be less to mow, which is good.
Even the little Chinquapin Oak that was once bare-limbed and close to death has responded to the rain, the spring stakes we applied to keep its root ball stable in high wind, and the root pruning. Its branches are fully leafed and there is new growth all throughout its canopy. A good mulching is probably all it now needs to truly feel it has a bright future in our yard. It looks as though even trees like a little love and tenderness.