Monday, February 10, 2014

Life needs Trees

Did you know that 1.6 billion people, including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures, depend on forests for their livelihood?

Winter has been long and cold... colder for longer than winters previous.  It has made life a bit harder for us.  The hardships of season are part of life, and so are trees.  Life needs trees.  When the weather makes things really hard for us, imagine how much harder is it for trees?  These stalwart creations of God are symbols for strength, reminding us to 'stand tall' and stay strong.  They manage to continue on in all types of storms, so I take it that means we should, too (proverbially speaking).


Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12

The constant cold and dismal winter weather can be daunting and wear down our energy and desire to keep going.  We know, though, that Spring will be here again.  Working to get past the wait will make it all the more worthwhile when it does finally arrive. 
Our family of Living Akers are fortunate to live in the country, where we depend on the trees and what nature provides.  This winter, trees have also suffered from the harsh cold, but yet provided the very necessity of warmth from wood.  Yes, sadly, they don't all make it, but at least they can be productive, even at the end.  Harvesting the wood is hard work, though, getting out in the snow to cut, stack and haul it.  On the other hand, it can be very invigorating and excellent exercise!  



Treasured champion bur oak to receive much-needed care

In  mid-Missouri, generations have known it simply as “The Big Tree.”
With a 140-foot crown spread, the nearly 100-foot tall bur oak located just off the Katy Trail near McBaine is a contender as a national champion. Most evenings, dozens of visitors to the tree take in the beauty of the countryside and gaze at grandeur of the McBaine Bur Oak. 
But as the  sprawling giant is closing in on its 400th birthday, the tree is showing its age.  
“The last few  years I have seen the tree in decline and that is why we are stepping up once again to help this treasure,” says William Spradley, owner and president of Trees, Forests and Landscapes. “I have a passion for large trees and this being one of the biggest nationally somebody needed to come forward to give the tree some much-needed care.”
Treasured champion bur oak
I doubt if they predicted how harsh this winter will be, but one thing's for sure; the care and attention this tree received came just in the nick of time!  We'll see come Spring how much affect the extra attention had on this majestic tree.

If you own property (it doesn't matter the number of acres),  then consider the importance of managing it, so that what is grown is healthy, desirable, productive, in order to be passed on to future generations.  Yes, information is needed, some labor to be done, but isn't it worth it?  Not sure where to start?  There is help.  You could start here: 

American Forest Foundation"...there are close to 23 million forest owners in the United States, owning 282 million acres of forest land. That’s more forestland than is owned by the federal government or the forest products industry—the size of all the states along the eastern seaboard from Maine to Georgia.  The initial 2011 data indicates that very few woodland owners know about programs that can help them improve their management of their woodlands."
We are proud to be part of the American Forest owners, Tree Farm Systems and Missouri Walnut Council. Even in this harsh winter, we care for our trees.   While inside in the warm, we created some new tree gifts.  Tell us what you think!  Living Akers.  We selected Missouri Walnut for its beautiful grain and high quality to make our brand item: Family Treasure Boxes are wonderful gifts for Christmas or weddings.  Up to 5 of the small "Baby Treasure" boxes fit inside.  

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