By Jenna Jones, Trussville Tree Commission
TRUSSVILLE — December 21st: With the onset of winter comes the longest night, but after tomorrow’s sunrise, there will be more increments of light each day for six months.
The exhibition of fall color from our deciduous trees is now a memory. With a few exceptions (American beech), those glorious leaves are on the ground; and our bare deciduous trees are on yet another important mission. They are wintering. With far less foliage, the Southern landscapes are more barren, and the winter horizons are sparse. However, the native southern evergreens take this opportunity to share their beauty. Though pines may seem to be prominent – especially loblolly in North Alabama – note the distinction of Eastern red cedars while traveling north on I-65 toward Huntsville. The same could be said on 119 between Leeds and 280. For Canadian hemlocks, travel northwest to the Bankhead Forest or northeast to Mentone. One may find an occasional live oak in North Alabama, but to see these evergreen oaks in all their glory, head toward Mobile. And on your way south, note the longleaf pines.
Closer to home, take a walk in your neighborhoods, local parks, or trails and observe the varieties of hollies, magnolias, pines, junipers, cedars, and laurels. (Many are labeled at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens). Like the deciduous trees, they too are wintering but generously continue to share their color, thus the name evergreen. Author Katherine May makes specific reference to the wintering conifers:
Its ripe cones and nuts provide essential food in this scarce time for mice and squirrels, and its bark hosts hibernating insects and provide a source of nourishment for hungry deer. It is far from dead. It is, in fact, the life and soul of the wood. It’s just getting on with it quietly.
In the study of color therapy, it has been observed that the color green can instill a sense of hope and well-being. On those cold, cloudy winter days, look for a dose of green in the landscape, then give a nod of gratitude and remember: the days are getting longer. Peace be with you and yours this Christmas.