Mono Monday : : Roots

The fields and hill here are covered with huge oak trees. There are many kinds of oaks…live oaks, valley oaks, deciduous and non-deciduous varieties. Some of them are huge, with branches that stretch out until they can no longer hold themselves up and fall to the ground. I love the patterns of the gnarly branches against the sky, but even the fallen ones are decorative, with interesting grain patterns and twisted bark. 

If oaks are planted in lawns or flower beds, they tend to develop shallow spreading roots which grow toward the surface water instead of anchoring the tree deep in the ground. We have been around oak trees that have uprooted themselves and fallen over with no warning smashing through cars or breaking through roofs.

The tree in the picture must have been majestic in its heyday, and still presents such an arresting sight that it was left in place after it uprooted itself and the branches were removed. It has been there where it fell at the entrance to a long driveway which cuts through a copse of its living brethren, and makes an arresting landmark. I've driven past it many times and always think I ought to stop and take a picture. Although it is a rather cold, drizzly and dreary day today, I thought of this fallen giant and what a perfect answer to the challenge it would be….