What Tree Has The Largest Roots On Earth?

Largest Roots

Measuring standards for trees have never included root mass, but it is easy to ascertain from other available information which trees are the most likely contenders to have the largest roots on earth. A tree is not simply measured based on how tall or how much circumference it has; in many instances, both height and width are included, but the diameter of the trunk is often the most important factor. Due to the difficulty in getting a true measurement for an enormous tree, it is not common for trees to be ranked based on their size. Some trees are so obviously larger than others, however, that people have felt compelled to measure them. The following trees are believed to be the largest or the oldest on earth, and as such, they are likely to also have the world's largest roots.

General Sherman

The giant sequoia known as General Sherman is in Tulare County, Calif. Although it is not the widest or the tallest tree on record, its volume has granted it the title of the largest tree on earth. General Sherman is over 2,000 years old, and it reaches 275 feet into the air. The tree's diameter is approximately 25 feet, making it an awe-inspiring sight for those who are able to stand at its base.

Hyperion

A coast redwood named Hyperion is the tallest known tree on earth. Undiscovered until 2006, Hyperion is hidden in California's Redwood National and State Parks. It is estimated to be approximately 800 years old, and it is almost 380 feet tall. Nature conservationists are concerned about the negative impact that a lot of tourism would have Hyperion, so they have elected not to share any information that can lead to its exact location.

Methuselah

Although the Methuselah tree is not overly large, it is the oldest tree on earth. With an age of over 4,800 years, it stands to reason that the Methuselah tree has very strong roots. Just like Hyperion, the exact location of Methuselah has not been disclosed, but this Great Basin Bristlecone Pine is inside of California's Inyo National Forest.

Lost Monarch

Lost Monarch is another enormous large coast redwood, and it is listed as being the second largest tree on earth. Its exact location has been kept from the public, just like the Methuselah and Hyperion, but it is somewhere in California's Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. The Lost Monarch is 320 feet tall and 26 feet in diameter.

Which One has the Largest Roots?

While we have no definitive way to determine which tree has the largest roots from this list, it is most likely to be Hyperion or General Sherman. New trees are discovered every day, though, so the actual largest tree on the planet may still be hiding deep in a forest.

Peter Wendt is a self employed writer and researcher living in Austin TX. If you like to find out more visit this site : more info

Low~Maintenance Plants for Shady Areas~!!

If your looking to add some beautiful colour and flavour to your garden's shadier areas, then these five plants are sure to help out with your gardening woes~!!

Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum')

The beautifully coloured, low~lying plants grow between 30 ~ 60 cm high and wide.  They have deep burgundy leaf stems with olive~green arching fronds which are lit with silver.  Every single plant has its own unique design and colours.

This plant was originally native to Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan and does well in zones 4 to 9.

Because of its ever~changing colour forms, it is best as an accent for edging and works well in all shaded areas.

Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum comutatum)

These beauties like dry shade and are very elegant and graceful in their design.  

They grow up to 60 to 70 cm and work best in zones 3 to 9.

In late Spring, white bell~like flowers bloom and are self~cleaning and will drop off on their own.  

This plant spreads out slowly, creating a blanket of foliage that turns golden yellow in the Fall.

Epimedium (Red ~ rubrum, Yellow ~ suphureum and White ~ niveum)

This plant loves shade and it is a dependable ground cover plant.  Works best in any shade.

Flowers come in white, pink and yellow and bloom from May to June.

It is slow~growing, consistent and can live forever.

Typically grow about 20~25 cm high with a 15~30 cm spread in zones 4 to 9.

Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)

These ornamental focal points provide interest year round to any garden.

The exfoliating bark comes in shades of cinnamon red and brown, peels in thin sheets and looks polished smooth in others.  

In early Spring, small yellow flowers bloom.  

Ideal for city lots and as an understory tree.  Slow growing, climbing up to 7m which could take up to 50 years to complete.

Require little pruning and is insect resistant.  It can be planted in full sun to partial shade.  

Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum pedatum)

Very versatile plant in that it can survive in extreme heat and cold, as well as, soil lacking nutrients and in the deep shade beneath trees.

Grows to 30 ~ 60 cm high and wides.  Has rounded clump of fan~shaped fronds with light green lacey leaves on purple~black stems.

They have a natural water~repellent and even when immersed in water, the leaves remain dry.

Activists Trespass to Save Environment and Wildlife

People can show their love for the environment in different ways. Ordinary individuals can help by not contributing to global warming. They can choose to patronize Earth-friendly products, for instance. Other individuals can start conserving resources, segregating rubbish, or using fuel-efficient machines. Each person can help save the environment in his own way. However, such conservative efforts are often not enough to fight off the huge detrimental environmental impacts that large companies continue to cause. Forests and wildlife remain unsafe from modern developers, and fishes and other endangered marine life continue to be at risk. It seems hopeless that momentous changes that will positively impact the world will occur. This is why many individuals have taken it upon themselves to become stewards of the Earth.

Stewards of the Earth or the environment are the people we commonly know as environmental activists. They are the courageous people who put their very lives on the line to protect the environment. But these environmental warriors aren't the only ones who are called activists. Anyone who does something for the good of the environment, whether it is just by segregating waste or planting a tree, is recognized as a protector of the world.

Common Strategies Used by Environmental Activists
To gain support and to increase people's awareness as regards current environmental issues, most activists use a variety of traditional tactics. They boycott products known to have been tested on animals or reject items made from endangered wildlife, such as fur coats or ivory statues. They also encourage people to sign petitions, and they pen letters to policy-makers as well. When these things are not enough, they can also stage protests. Most of these things won't send people in jail. However, there's one activity that can land someone in prison, and this is the direct-action approach.

Direct Action
There are three (3) possible goals a direct action movement. One is to expose a problem or to make an issue public. Second is to recommend an alternative, while third is to put forward a solution to an existing problem. These things can be accomplished as direct action efforts often get a lot of media coverage. A few examples of direct action attempts are strikes, sit-ins, graffiti and destruction of property. Many environmentalists have also been known to chain themselves to trees to prevent these from getting cut, or they sneak into private properties to expose a nasty problem or protest something. Just recently, Lucy Lawless, an actor who appeared in popular television programs, like "Xena: Warrior Princess" and "CSI: Miami", was caught on a Shell drillship in efforts to help save the Arctic. She pled guilty and is waiting sentencing, which is in September. She is facing a trespass suit that can land her in jail for about 3 years.

Trespassing
Defense The crime of entering and remaining in another person's or group's property after being warned or prohibited is known as trespassing. A person could trespass in a house or any residential property, a building or any commercial property, as well as a boat and grounds that are owned by a private citizen or run by a business or government group. There are several defenses that a person can use, including consent, wherein the trespasser was given permission in actions or words to enter a property. Another is trespassing to recover land or chattel, which may occur after an uncontrollable event, such as a storm or flood. Third is private necessity, wherein someone trespasses to protect another from grave injury or harm. This also includes protecting a place from major destructive elements. Fourth is public necessity. This pertains to trespassing done in order to protect a community from more serious harm. In other words, a trespasser invades a private property to protect the public good.

Citations:

• Photo courtesy of ponsulak at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

The article is by Claire Duvall. She writes for a Massachusetts Trespassing Lawyer. She also blogs for several online law websites, tackling issues related to personal injury and criminal law.

The Mighty Oak In Myth & Legend~!!

The rapid oak tree, 

Before him heaven and earth quake; 

In every land his name is mine. 

-Taliesin, The Battle of the Trees

The mighty Oak (quercus robur) tree has been a part of myth and legend since the beginning of our known times and perhaps, even beyond.  It is believed that the Oak tree was the very first tree ever created, giving it many traits associated with wisdom and fertility; the acorn was the "first food" of mankind.  

Many pagan cults have arisen to worship the power associated with Oak trees, it is said that two doves flew out of Thebes.  One flew to the Libyan Ammon in the oasis of Siwwa and the other to Dodonna; giving birth to the oracular oak cults that were dedicated to the Gods and Goddesses.  It is believed that Oak trees hosted the power, energy and strength of their Gods and took it in great reverence to have an Oak tree hit by lightning, the voice of Zeus and is sacred to all the thunder and lightning Gods.

The Oak tree is thought to have born the first man and the trees themselves were called the "first mothers".  The Dryads are fairies who reside in oak trees and the Titans were said to have been stretched upon great oaken wheels.  The word Oak means "Door" in many languages, a door to other worlds, or other portals, a cross~over between worlds are some of the more popular conceptions.

Animals closely attributed to Oak trees are the bull, wolf, woodpecker, wrens and doves.  The number twelve is sacred to Oak trees as well as the planet Jupiter.  

Many cultures have come to use the trees as protective talismans, not only for the strength of wood but for its believed magical properties.  It was once believed that if you planted an acorn during the waxing moon, it would draw gold towards you.  As well as it was once thought that if you placed acorns on your window sill, it would ward off evil; wearing an oak leave next to your heart is said to protect the wearer from lies and deceit and the acorn can also be hung in the kitchen window in order to bring luck and prosperity into the house.

Some medicinal purposes once believed included the burning of oak wood logs in order to draw away illness and disease, white oak bark tea breaks up congestion, acorns once thought to treat constipation, teas made from oak bark were once used to cure hemorrhoids, and a handful of oak leaves strewn in your bath water is believed to rejuvenate both body and spirit.

Mistletoe is often found growing on the sides of Oak trees, once giving it a high reverence in all cultures as a gift from the Gods themselves, as many believed the Mistletoe usually arrived after lightning struck the tree.  Mistletoe's is given high regard as a life~giving plant and a symbol of sexuality.  It is associated with love and many love potions have been created using the Mistletoe as an added derivative.  The tree has also been known to boost one's energy levels and help aid in the manifesting of goals.

Oak Trees have inspired bravery, prosperity, strength, presence and leadership by the majesty of its boughs.  It has inspired cultures, gave birth to religions and provided food, healing and sustenance to generations; legends surround it and myths are formed from its almost immortal stage upon which it has been set.  The next time you walk beneath an old Oak tree, remember that many have already done before you and many will who follow and if trees could talk, imagine the stories that they could tell.

"I shot an arrow into the air

It fell to earth, I knew not where

For so swiftly it flew,

The sight could not follow in its flight

I breathed a song into the air

It fell to earth, I knew not where

For, who has sight so keen and strong

That it can follow the flight of song?

Long, long afterward, in an oak 

I found the arrow, still unbroken

And the song, 

from beginning to end,

I found again in the heart of a friend"

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Tree Disease in Eastern Ontario ~ Oak Wilt

Oak Wilt is a fungal disease, quite similiar to Dutch Elm Disease,  though more easily manageable, left unattended it can easily and quickly kill off your trees.  It affects all Oak types but is highly susceptible to the Red Oak family of trees who offer the disease the least resistance.

It was first discovered in 1944, in Wisconsin, and its highly believed that it originated in the USA as no other countries have been able to track the path of origin to any other source.  Though reputed to have been around since the early 1900's, it wasn't until the mid~1980's the the threat began to gain a firm foothold into the Oak tree family, as more people turned to building their homes in Oak woods.

Beetles that carry the Oak Wilt fungus do not have chewing mouth parts and they require some method of an open wound entry so that they can invade.  Hardwood vascular wilt diseases prevent water from essential areas of the tree by blocking the system needed to transport nutrients.  Oak trees will often produce tyloses, those balloon~like growths found on the tree which aid in blocking off of pathogens and prevent infections from spreading, doing such, inadvertently destroys the tree as essential nutrients are also blocked from reaching their source.

Fungus Mat

Early symptoms include wilting leaves from the top of the tree which will spread downwards, oftentimes the leaves will turn bronze in colour, appear water~soaked at they begin to fall off their branches, as well as, discoloration of the vascular tissue, brown streaks or spots that can be seen under the bark into the sapwood.  Depending upon the environment and Oak tree type, a normal death will usually occur within two to six months.

OWF is spread in two ways:  the transfer of spores from diseased to healthy trees by insect vectors and the transferal of the disease by root grafts.  If the conditions are right, after the tree dies, spores are created on fungal mats that form under the bark of the tree.  A~sexual spores called endoconidia, which are barrel shaped produced in chains, will form waiting for compatible mating types.  When this performance occurs sexual spores called ascospores are produced, which because of their fruity fragrance, draws certain types of sap beetles to visit, feed and breed, thereby picking up the fungal spores.  The symbosis between fungus and insect acts in the transmission of infecting otherwise healthy areas of trees that are unable to be affected by root grafts.

Root grafting is the number one method of the diseases' spreading, as trees within 50 feet of an infected tree can easily be infected, creating a chain~reaction that can only be broken with proper care and treatment.

If you believe you have discovered this disease in your Oak trees, please call a professional tree specialist to handle your needs.  The cutting and removal of the Oak tree can cause devastating affects on the other Oak trees you may have in your area by accelerating the root grafting; without the host to continue feeding, the disease will find the next source and this could become costly on many levels as whole groves of trees can become infected and die.

Tree Disease in Eastern Ontario ~ Blue Stain Fungus ~ Future Threat~??

Pine trees killed by BSF

Blue Stain Fungus is a detriment to Pine and Fir trees as the Mountain Pine Beetle wrecks carnage via a structure located on top of the beetles head.  This enables the Fungus to attach itself to the beetle and then be transported from tree to tree via this method.  This almost symbiotic relationship between the two allows for the fungus to attach itself to the tree, effectively stopping the tree from producing resin, which enables the beetle to infest an area by laying eggs, avoiding the trees defenses.  This partnership, of sorts, can be seen dwindling Pine/Fir populations all the way from Mexico to Canada.

When the Blue Stain Fungus spores germinate, they produce a "thread~like" mass (mycelium) that conquers the hosts phloem and sapwood.  Because of the sticky substance of the spores, they do not blow away like most, but remain to eventually block out all streams of nutrients that feed the tree causing the tree to starve to death.  

Many experts believe that the overly warm winters are causing the population explosion to occur and as weather continues to warm across the country, you can be sure that this disease will definitely spread as reports gather of it being seen in Alberta and Saskatchewan.  In order to effectively maintain the over infestation, an area needs a cold snap of about two weeks with temperatures ranging -20 degrees or lower.  

Roughly 16 million hectares, which is about twice the size of New Brunswick or 32 MILLION FOOTBALL fields of Pine/Fir trees have been destroyed by this oncoming, widespread devastation in British Columbia alone and its spreading east very quickly.  Think of that on a global carbon balance scale, if this threat continues to invade, the air we breathe will continue to become stagnant and poisoned with the emission build ups that are no longer being processed by the natural air filter eco~system that is being destroyed.

This plight has recently been seen in Eastern Ontario, this is how amazingly fast it can spread...left to the unknown, it will continue to grow.  If unsure whether your Pine/Fir trees suffer from Blue Stain Fungus, do not take any chances...call a professional arborist who will explain the measures you must take in order to save your trees from this oncoming and VERY possible threat.  

Tree Disease in Eastern Ontario ~ Emerald Ash Borer

Ash Tree Infected with EAB

Emerald Ash Borer

The Emerald Ash Borer is a green beetle native to Asia and is an highly invasive species to Ash trees in its host range.  Its natural range encompasses Russia, northern China, Japan and Korea; it was first discovered in Canton, Michigan in 2002, and it is suspected that it came via overseas shipping crates being delivered to Yazaki North America, an automative parts distributor.  Since its introduction into Canada in the 1990's, it has killed over 100 millions trees in its population growth and destruction, while threatening to kill over 7.5 BILLION Ash trees in North America.

While Green and Black Ash trees are their preferable host, there is no Ash tree that is resistant to the pursuit of the EAB, however, the Blue Ash does hold off the longest in its resistance.

The life cycle of an EAB can take up to two years in its completion, depending on the health of the tree, the deposit of the eggs and temperature.  Normally a female can lay up to 100 eggs in her two month life span and if one egg~laying female enters an Ash tree,   56% of these eggs are, on average, female; now, if they all lay eggs, within ten years you will have over 50 trillion Emerald Ash Borer's...enough to wipe out a nice sized forest of Ash trees.

The newly hatched larvae will burrow through the bark to the outer layer where they will feast on the new sapwood until the colder weather prevails, usually in the Fall.  In the Fall, they shape into a "J~shape" larvae while excavating pupal chambers where they wait for Spring.  In the Spring, they will eat their way out of the bark through D~shaped exit holes and are capable of flight upon emergence from the tree.  Smaller larvae may require the summer to continue their growth rate and the larger larvae will emerge during the Spring.

Become aware of your Ash trees as you notice the symptoms that usually prevail such devastation.  There will be a dieback of leaves in the upper third half of your tree upon onset and it progresses down over time.  They may be vertical splits in the tree bark, S~shaped channels found underneath the tree bark, D~shaped exit holes in the bark usually indicates a recent emergence, heavy woodpecker activity, especially in the winter months, epicormic shoots (water sprouts) that appear at the trees trunk and worm~like larvae that can grow up to an inch long found under the tree's bark.

A professional Arborist will know the proper requirements in which to effectively and safely remove or treat your Ash tree, if you have any questions, I would recommend calling one in your local area for an assessment.  As of today, only one treatment option has been approved by Canada and that is the use of TreeAzin, a biological insecticide, made from a natural product of Neem trees.  It is delivered to the tree via a special tree injection system and may only be administered by professionals.

In looking for the proper tree service company, individuals should keep in mind that a good tree care specialist will offer a wide range of services, including, pruning, removal, fertilizing, cabling/bracing, pest control and others, and not just tree removal.  NEVER use climbing spikes on healthy trees and NEVER remove a healthy tree...removal should ALWAYS be the last resort.

Tree Disease In Eastern Ontario ~ Dutch Elm Disease

Infected English Elm 

Dutch Elm Beetle

Dutch Elm Disease was first thought to have originated in feline feces from Asia and is spread through the sexual acts of the Elm Bark Beetle which causes a fungus to grow and infect the trees.  Bark Beetles love to lay their eggs in the inner bark of the dead or dying trees, a perfect playground for the fungus to fester and grow.

There are now three known species recognized as Ascomycete Fungi which are causing the destruction of the Elm trees in many areas of the world.  The Native Elm Bark Beetle, the European and the Banded Elm Bark Beetle have found a solid foot hold in the Elm trees and bring their destruction as they continue to migrate and destroy all in their path.

As the disease spreads throughout the tree, the trees natural defense mechanism kicks in to destroy the virus that has infected it.  However, in doing so, the tree is inadvertently killing itself off as it blocks the needed nutrients from reaching sections of the tree and as those areas begin to fail, the whole eco~system of the tree fails and death is its ultimate sacrifice for survival.  

A tree will react by trying to block its own xylem with gum and tyloses, a kind of a growth that extends on the xylem cell's walls.  Now as the xylem delivers water and nutrients to the rest of the tree, these "blocks", prevent them from travelling up the trunk resulting in the tree's demise.

DED was first introduced into North America in or around 1928 in a shipment of logs believed to have come from the Netherlands, which were destined as Veneer for an Ohio furniture industry.  The disease slowly spread west and south completely destroying whole forest growths of Elm trees in its wake.  

During the Second World War, DED was introduced to Canada and found its way to Ontario in 1967, Manitoba by 1975 and Saskatchewan by '81, British Columbia has recorded great success in their DED removal, while Alberta remains DED free to this day.  Of all the major cities to try and find a solution for this growing problem, Toronto has been hit the hardest, losing almost 80% of her Elm trees to DED.   On another interesting note, Winnipeg has the honour of being home to the largest surviving urban forest with close to over 200,000 Elm trees remaining free of the disease.

If your wondering if your trees are suffering from Dutch Elm Disease, some good measures to pay attention to are the upper branches, the leaves will usually turn yellow, brown as they begin to wither.  This usually begins to occur in late June to early July and will progressively kill off other branches as the tree begins to die from starvation as the roots suffer without the nutrients from the leaves.   You may also notice small holes, the diameter of a pencil lead and/or sawdust around the bark, may be an indicator that the tree has beetles burrowing within.

To solve the situation can become costly to some and not feasible to others.  One can have the tree cut, removed and burned to avoid further contamination.  Chemicals such as insectides DDT and Dieldrin offer some a solution, however, this is not an option I would recommend as you must think of the birds and animals that have to suffer the poison produced from such methods, one solution does not always bode well with the outcome.  Dead branches and trees should be removed from the area as they are perfect breeding grounds for Bark Beetles.  Please remember to keep your healthy Elm trees well watered to help prevent invasion.

DED is spread by a fungus, not the beetle itself and there are three ways in which it is transmitted.  One method is by beetle vectors which carries the fungus from tree to tree; through the connection of healthy tree roots with those that are infected and by pruning healthy trees with blades that have been used to cut diseased trees.  One could say its almost like a zombie disease amongst the trees.  It is imperative that you should be very careful in what companies you use to prune your trees and to make sure you use reliable, professional arborists who understand the necessary procedures to process  trees so that your remaining trees remain alive and healthy.

DED Tree Removal ~ Gibson Tree Care

Save Trees: Recycle Your Moving Boxes

The average American moves 11 times over the course of their life. 11 times! Think about everything that goes into moving to a new home. You have to plan the move, hire movers or rent a moving truck, and pack up all of your things into dozens of moving boxes. What do you do with all of those moving boxes once your move is done? Do you throw them out, recycle them or use them as planters in your back yard?

The experts at My Move wondered what the environmental impact of recycling moving boxes really was. What we found was amazing. Did you know that by recycling your moving boxes instead of throwing them out you can save the lives of 7 trees and save more than 3,000 gallons of water? If you are interested in making your move greener and recycling your moving boxes click on our infographic to find out more.   

Get more great tips and infographics (including our interactive hoarding quiz) to make your move easier! Visit htttp://www.mymove.com today!

Rainforests of the World

Rainforest in the Blue Mountains, Australia

Provider of natural resources 
Rainforests are said to be the ecologically most important regions on the map. Home to half of the world's plants and animals, rainforests are a treasure chest of resources for humans. They provide food, clothing, fuel, medicinal herbs and industrial products, to name some. Their abundant renewable natural resources have been serving mankind throughout the ages, with some rainforests dating back hundreds of millions of years.

Facts about rainforests
Rainforests are so dense that sunlight do not penetrate the ground level. Rainforests can receive up to 78mm of rainfall during the rainy season. Peruvian rainforests are said to be more abundant of wildlife than the entire United States. Similarly, there are more species of fish in the Amazon River than in the entire Atlantic Ocean.

Where the rainforests are 
Tropical rainforests are located in South East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America, Central America, and the Pacific Islands. Temperate rainforests are found in Australia, New Zealand, South America, North America, Europe, and East Asia. Based on the size and pattern of their trees, rainforests are divided into four layers. The emergent or top layer consists of extremely tall trees towering up to 80 meters, making a great home to large birds. Directly below is the canopy level, which is rich in flora and fauna with trees up to 45 meters tall. Next is the understory level where sunlight can penetrate, allowing shrubs and trees known for their large leaves to grow. This level is home to the rainforests' predatory animals. Finally, the lowest rainforest level is where you can find exotic colorful plants, carnivorous plants, crocodiles, snakes, and a whole slew of little critters and small animals.

Evergreen in danger
Extensive deforestation is endangering the existence of these evergreen rainforests. Recent reports say that the number of rainforests have consistently dwindled throughout the years. As a result, hundreds of plants and animals that play a critical role in the world's ecological balance are at risk.

Rainforests of Oz 
While it is hard to find a region on the planet that has not been touched by man, the Australian rainforests remain pristine. As a matter of fact, they have been proclaimed a World Heritage Site. Australia's Tropical North Queensland region is one of the oldest naturally preserved rainforests. It is a popular school trip destination to educate children on natural resources.

The Australian rainforests provides a great experience for those who wish to learn more about the natural wonders of thw world. There are guided tours of the region available for visitors.

Staying Down Under 
Many people who have visited Australia are easily captivated by its natural beauty. As a matter of fact, there have been a surge of people relocating to the region in the recent years. In addition to its rainforests, wildlife, stunning beaches and cascading waterfalls, Australia has plenty of things to offer. It has a mild climate and picturesque landscape, which are the ingredients for a laid-back lifestyle. Australia is also known for its stable economy, low cost of living, employment opportunities, excellent literacy rate and impeccable health care system.

Established professional moving companies are knowledgeable of the laws pertaining to shipping to Australia. Most, if not all, of them can even provide tips on how to transition smoothly into a new life in the Land Down Under. Hiring their services would definitely do a world of good.

International relocation is no easy feat, especially if you plan to haul all your belongings with you. When moving furniture, appliances and even your car from one country to another, ocean shipping is the best most of transportation.