When the storm came this year, the winds were hard. Stronger than we could have ever imagined and both fences and trees were thrown as by an outraged toddler having a temper tantrum. Trees that clumped together shared their shelter and some survived. Others were toppled even huge trees with a root system that was the size of a large van. Those with shallow roots were the first to fall. The direction of the wind was clear from the fallen trees on either side of the road.
Everywhere the clean-up continues and tree surgeons and gardeners are making a packet! A month later and their work goes on seemingly endless. Usually having no leaves is a protection for trees. There is less to catch the furious wind and for that reason greater number of coniferous trees were toppled, acting like mini sails their leaves caught the brutal gales and like yachts got pulled over. But in this storm, even the barren naked trees were knocked down too. How sad to see the budding leaves on toppled trees that had already begun to respond to spring. Cut down in their prime before they bloomed.
The importance of shelter has become crystal clear. A building, or a nearby hill often protected nearby trees. They took the brunt of the angry wind and saved their living neighbours. Some of these trees had taken 50 to 100 years to grow but with no shelter fell in just one night. All those days and years of growth, gone in a matter of hours. It feels like gratuitous violence. Are there lessons for us to learn in all of this?
1. Grow in tight-knit communities, know your neighbours and hold them close. Sometimes you are the reason for their survival and occasionally they are yours.
2. Grow deep roots into sound principles and facts, don’t waste time with all the ornamental stuff above ground. That can only add to your chances of destruction. Instead, look to the foundational stuff and make sure it is sound.
3. At times of catastrophes sacrifice is called for. Trees that can bear the brunt of the storm can shelter those behind them. Even as they fall their debris fuels the ecosystem and their loss brings more light to others. Life should have a purpose, a role to play. Many times, it is those who sacrifice themselves for others who are remembered with love and leave a legacy.
4. The barren stump of a fallen tree sometimes be sustained by the entwined roots of neighbouring surviving trees who direct nutrients and nourishment to their fallen neighbour. Just as they instil life into a gravely damaged comrade we too can reach out to help those devastated by illness, disability or loss. Our vital connections can nourish them when their own resources are spent.
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