On Monday I biked five miles to my regular six month skin cancer appointment. The marsh is having a period of perfect weather and the ride mostly along bike trails through woods was a pleasure in 64F/18C going and a bit more on my return. I have seen enough skin cancers to know when I have one and I didn’t think I did this time. The doctor confirmed that I didn’t and only froze a few spots on my face. I am now good for another six months. Maybe.
As you can see from the photo leaves are falling. I am having to sweep our deck almost daily. Above is two day’s collection. Most of the trees on the island remain green year round, though a bit duller in winter than summer, and this is spring, not fall. So I googled and AI informs me: Live oaks (Quercus virginiana) shed their old leaves in early spring as part of a natural ‘molting process’ to make way for new, fresh growth and blooming. Although considered evergreens, they do not hold leaves forever; instead they replace last year’s foliage simultaneously, allowing them to remain green year-round.
Thank you AI.
This is also the start of pollen season so what is not knee deep in oak leaves is covered with yellow dust.
Still it is paradise.
Now I have to go sweep.
Great trees, but they are indeed messy. We love the shapes of the trunks.
ReplyDeleteAs I am sure you know, Kent, when the early U.S. Navy built their first six frigates, including the USS CONSTITUTION, they came down here to get oak. Not to Hilton Head, but to similar sea islands off Georgia. In addition to strength, the curves of the limbs were right for frames and ribs.
ReplyDeleteI admire the beauty and tenacity of the live oaks and am glad that this development did not interfere with trees that have been here for hundreds of years.