The trees are sick. They have been for a while now. I didn't really notice it at first, but there was a mention of the trees in the Sea Cliff village bulletin, where they described how they are dying, but they are being replaced. These are Sycamore trees, and two rows of them line the walkway by the harbor. As you have seen, these rows of trees are one of my favorite subjects. You will notice in this photograph that these two trees have most of their limbs removed. And you will see where three others have already been cut down and replaced with new, younger trees. I don't remember what the cause is - it may be just old age, because they are replacing the old trees with new Sycamores. It is sad to see the trees die, and the symmetry destroyed as well. This photograph below is what the trees that are still healthy look like in all their strange beauty.
4 comments:
Very sad, with the mood beatifully captured on a very dull and grey day. For many these Sycamores have been one of the defining images of Sea Cliff as you enter along the beach from Roslyn/Glen Head. Always loved to see lined up in full bloom but always cringed when the Village cut them way back every year. While sad it is great to see them being replaced so local shutterbugs can continue to document their ever changing form.
Hi Ken-
Mo arborist I, but I debate the reason why they are cut back so severely every year - you can tell from the enlarged nodes where the new growth comes out every spring. I know there are a few species that suffer similar fates in Tucson (mulberry, I think) which makes them require less water to grow in the desert, but seems that it would cause problems in the long run, perhaps resulting in premature death as displayed... -Dean
You don't know what the cause is? Your mission is to find out. I thought you knew everything. :-)
Joan
I am happy to hear that they are replacing the "sick" trees with new ones. I have really enjoyed all the photos of the Sycamore trees through the years. bsk
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