Storm Fallout

We had some winter storms here in East Texas this winter. Nothing unusual to you folks up north, but it was enough to take down a couple of trees in my yard. Check the following evidence.


In this picture from my trail cam, you see my woods as they were before the storm.


Uh-oh. A tree came down! Well, not entirely down, but it's coming. It's leaning on a tree that's not so strong, either.


It's continuing to settle as the days roll on. Eventually it'll bring down the whole thicket there.

I'm debating whether I can safely cut it myself, or whether I should just let it fall where it goes down. Either way, I might well plant a longleaf pine in that opening if I can get my hands on one. It's a pretty dry, upland site, and a longleaf would do well there. I think it'd get enough light in the opening for one as long as I kept the deciduous stuff cut back.

I probably shouldn't cut the whole mess down myself. There's just too much stress in there. I probably could weaken it a little bit so it comes down on its own a little sooner. There's nothing important nearby like buildings or power lines that I need to save.

Sigh...more firewood and no fireplace.