If Trees Could Talk . . .

If Trees Could Talk, what would they tell us? When you look at the lifetime of older trees, our lifetime can seem brief. I had this thought while attending a graveside service last Saturday. Image

 

I noticed a tree that had a diameter of over 10 feet.

 

The cemetery manager, Joel Roberts pointed out that the tree, a Black Walnut, was designated by the International Society of Arboriculture in 1976 as a Bi-Centennial Tree.

 

That means the tree was alive during the time of the American Revolution in 1776.

 

We just celebrated July 4th, the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our country over 249 years ago. And this tree was alive to witness the event.

 

Nature provides a fine perspective on life and what constitutes a lifetime.

 

Back in Cleveland, Lake View Cemetery is the home of 7 ‘Moses Cleveland’ trees, trees that were alive when Moses Cleveland landed on the shores of the Cuyahoga River and founded Cleveland in 1796. Lake View Cemetery is a Level 2 Arboretum as certified by ArbNet through their Arboretum Accreditation Program. ArbNet is coordinated through The Morton Arboretum.

 

There are 5 different species of ‘Moses Cleveland’ trees including American Beech, Black Oak, White Oak, Sycamore and Tulip tree.

 

I continue to be impressed by the resilience of nature and tree’s ability to stand the test of time!

 

If you are ever visiting northern Ohio, you may want to add to your list while in Cleveland, besides visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or Progressive Field, Lake View Cemetery. The trees will make it worth your while:

 

https://www.lakeviewcemetery.com/our-grounds/arboretum-and-horticulture

 

While in northwest Ohio, along with Cedar Point, consider a drive to Clyde, Ohio and McPherson Cemetery. McPherson marker

 

Near the north end of the cemetery is the Black Walnut, designated by a marker.

 

Curiously enough, both of these cemeteries are located on Route 20, a main east-west route during the early days our country. This present route runs from Boston, Massachusetts to Newport, Oregon. It is the longest road in the U.S. Highway System, spanning approximately 3,365 miles.

 

If Tree Could Talk, the stories they could tell! May we strive to create a life of significance, not success. Our Bi-Centennial trees provide us an example!