Blog Post 2

I spent time this week getting a closer look at the tree in my backyard. The most intriguing part of this tree is how the new branches are growing from the cut stump. Whoever made the initial cut wasn’t worried with cutting it straight and smooth. There are three different levels to the cut, as if they had made a few mistakes while trying to take the tree down. The stump actually sits about a foot and a half above the ground. I would say they probably cut it down for fear it may fall and damage the house.

The original trunk is significantly larger than the new branches growing from it. At probably a two-foot diameter, I can only imagine what it used to look like. It is almost impossible for me to do so. It is as if an entirely different type of tree is growing from the carcass of the old one. The difference in thickness doesn’t strike me as much as the bark does.

The new bark on the thin branches is light brown. When I touch them, it doesn’t feel like regular bark. There are small bumps all over, but they’re relatively smooth to touch. I can’t imagine that the bark is very thick based on the size of the branches. Dark, jagged bark covers the stump. It is thick, like you would think of when you think of the typical tree. The complete opposite of the new tree growing from it.

I don’t know the science of trees and how they live and grow that well. It seems to me that this new tree growing in my yard is entirely different than the one that used to stand tall there. I want to know how it works, how these branches are able to grow from the cut stump. Why do they look so different?