The rat, the mouse, the fox, the rabbit watch the roots.
~ William Blake
Challenged by Lake Superior Spirit to find six new and interesting views of things you have noticed or photographed before, I decided to get to the root of the matter. Under the root to be more exact. Since I’m so accustomed to photographing the part of trees that grows above ground, or looking at upturned trees from the outside, I thought I’d crouch under a very large Balsam Fir root and see what a small mammal might see if it was hiding there.
The first thing I noticed was how dark and quiet it was under the root.
Balsam Firs tend to be shallow rooted and so are easily blown over during high winds.
After falling to the ground, the roots of large trees remain intact, with some strands dangling to the ground. Many provide hut-like enclosures that offer shelter for small animals.
Often, new trees start growing in the dirt left clinging to the upturned roots. Over time, these roots eventually form mounds in the forest which help to speed up the rate of new growth.
Water often gathers under overturned roots. Though presently frozen, these vernal pools provide places for amphibians to lay eggs or small mammals and birds to get a drink of water during warmer months. The variety of life found around the roots of these overturned trees contributes greatly to the biodiversity of the forest.
For more information and photos of overturned trees taken from a vantage point out from under the roots see Pits and Mounds.
I love the new worlds overturned trees expose. One of my favorite pieces of “yard art” was an enormous petrified root ball, twisted and wonderful. Thanks for sharing these.
I love your creativity, Amy! You make us feel like that small mammal crouching beneath the roots of the tree. I especially like the fourth photo. It feels so magical that I became a squirrel for just an instant. Or maybe that was a chipmunk, LOL. Thank you for playing along. Will add your name and link on the original posting!
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Gorgeous – the root systems of these big trees is really amazing (and amazingly shallow!)
I love to find all the rocks that end up entwined in the root system.
Very cool! 🙂
Roots is always a good theme. I knew Sartre was all wet when he was so disgusted by the tree roots in the garden in Paris. What was his problem?
What a great essay, Amy! As usual I learned new things.
Now I have an image of you crouched beneath that root, snapping away . . .
More than once a neighbor has said to me, perhaps a little tentatively, “I saw you the other day over at (whatever odd spot). Um, what were you doing??” Amy, do your neighbors ever say that to you, hmmmm?
Your blog is always a true delight. Thank you for sharing your photos and words, matched with perfect quotes.
Yousei, petrified root balls sound like my idea of yard art 🙂
Dawn, you wouldn’t believe all the rocks entwined in those roots. It really is neat to see a tree from the ground up.
Thanks Cindy 🙂
I don’t know what Sartre’s problem was Pamela. Here, many people don’t like roots and go to quite an expense to remove them from their yards.
Gerry, I am SURE the locals think I’m a bit uhmm… strange. The friendly ones have even told me to my face 🙂
Thanks pyrit 🙂