“Treebeard, 2016” — C.Birde, 2/17
It is with a heavy heart that I bear news of Treebeard’s passing. He was felled Wednesday, February 22, 2017. Treebeard was lifelong resident of Greenwood Cemetery, Boonton, and quite possibly, he had made his home there prior to the Cemetery’s establishment in 1876. We became acquainted in his twilight years, twenty-six years ago, and I knew him to be a patient, generous, and forgiving soul. He had seen much in his nearly two centuries. After the loss of a major limb, many years before our first meeting, he sheltered countless families of squirrel’s and birds and insects, without complaint. Concurrent with this limb’s loss, he accepted a vining growth which leant him his moniker. He rooted and grew, suffered and succored. His was a fine example to follow. Though his stump remains to mark his place, I will miss his presence — the green shade of his crown, the length and all-encompassing reach of his shadow; I will miss the song of wind through his leaves, the creak and groan of his massive branches. Rest well, Treabeard. In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree, or nurture and appreciate those you share your life with, whether daily or in passing.
“Treebeard’s Stump” — C.Birde, 2/17
Treebeard’s stump is an impressive 60+ inches across.
“Treebeard’s Midsection” — C.Birde, 2/17
Treebeard’s midsection, measuring over 140 inches in circumference.
“Treebeard’s Cavity” — C.Birde, 2/17
The massive cavity that, doubtless, lead to his undoing.
“Treebeard’s Remains” — C.Birde, 2/17
The trunk of Treebeard lays stacked in Greenwood Cemetery’s center.
“Treebeard 2016” — C.Birde
Nightjars & Damselflies 
Beautiful and moving. I’m going to miss Treebeard as well. 140-inch circumference, almost 12 feet. I want to get over to the cemetery before the trunk is moved to try to count the rings, because I bet you’re right, he was probably over 150 years old.
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Thank you so much. I’m not certain what kind of maple he was, whether Sugar/Rock/Hard or Norway maple, which all have different growth rate factors. The idea of counting Treebeard’s rings makes me dizzy!
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Trees are such miraculous creatures of strength and magnificence! Such a wonderful reminder of their purpose and significance in our world. Beautiful ❤
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Thank you, kindly 🙂 I adore the mere fact that you choose the word “creatures” when you refer to trees — I toyed with that choice myself, when writing this, because I think we must change the way we think of trees and our relationship to them. I agree with you, that they are fellow creatures, and I regret that I did not make that word my choice. I recently read a book, The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohllenben, which I found fascinating and informative and which has deepened my respect for these singular creatures. Perhaps you would enjoy that book as well. 🙂
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Sounds wonderful, I will have to look for it at the library! Thank you❤
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Carrie…
I felt this post!
so beautiful …
❤
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Thank you so much. I’ve been told that I “feel too deeply”…I haven’t yet decided if that is a fortunate or unfortunate condition. 🙂
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Carrie.. That is a FORTUNATE condition! Unfortunately not everybody feels that deeply. Embrase it!
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