why is this tree still standing - Pine

There be an old mine up here and my property is on a part of it. They once mined pyrite and copper in this area - along with GOLD. The gold that is on the capital building in Atlanta was mined in this area.

There are open shafts (marked)- the opening is large enough to fit HUGH concrete trucks in them. All trees on this ridge were clear cut about 1900's so not much is older than 80-years. the mine operated until about 1920.


I have not gone into it, the mine, a fear of slayers (joke) keeps me out, To dark to dangerous and on private property. But I do have pictures should you want to see them.

jz
 
The CG as a force is centered to flow inline down the support column. It is protected from side loading/ maintained inline flow of force by several factors. Being dead and thinned; not much sail to catch wind to begin with. The other trees in the area protect it from too much side loading/ leveraging by A) limiting wind to the tree and B) physically restricting the movement of the tree. CG inline doesn't matter it's height, but on minute sideloading it would; so at that point the lower CG helps.

The weight of the upper wood is light from decay; and started out light because of being pine. The remaining column is probably bigger than a 4x4; which can have considerable strength to hold the remaining weight. The resins have kept the support column fresh so strong and pliable somewhat; and the wood column has dried slowly. Thus, this colum is as if it was dried in a kiln for lumber; so has traded flexibility for strength like lumber does. Due to the lack of side loading/ leveraging; the trade of flexibility for strength worked out very well.

Still, quiet a fantastic find!
 
recent pictures

taken 5-21-07

5-21-07tree185.jpg


something is starting to pull it apart
 
We were shown a very cool specimen the other day by a client...

01221.jpg


But the really cool part is...

01223.jpg


it's still alive; and has been (like that) for 20 years according to the owner. They thought for SURE Charlie was gonna take it down (Hurricane Charlie, that is. The tree is in Charlotte Cty, FL) but still she stands!
 
it's a sad day

With the recent storms, high winds and wicked rains, i check on the tree today and it was no longer standing unsupported, if the small tree next to it were not there - it would have fallen.

pictures taked today 8/26

this is the end

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x58/skheinz57/dump826103.jpg

leaning

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x58/skheinz57/dump826108.jpg
being held up

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x58/skheinz57/dump826110.jpg

the heartwood holding on for dear life

thanks

jz
 
That pine looks to have formed what people in the south call fatwood or fatlighter (the concentrated terpines and lignins that Guymayor mentioned). Cut the log up into 8" sections and take a hatchet and split those sections into splinters. Now you have instant lighting wood. I used to give it away for Christmas presents.
 
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