Vertical rock and roll

A pair of four year-olds enjoy some quality tree time. A backyard Ailanthus was the perfect host for our climb.



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-moss

Thanks Moss for posting the photo. That kid is definitely having a great time and completely at ease in his climbing saddle. The look of his face is of complete enjoyment and his feet kicking in the air to keep the rhythm is wonderful!

I'd like to see Eddie Van Halen jump that high off the ground!

Around here, the Ailanthus is considered a junk tree. Also known as the "Ghetto Palm". However this particular one has redeemed itself. Nice pic. That lad will remember that day for a long time.

2chops wrote:

Around here, the Ailanthus is considered a junk tree. Also known as the "Ghetto Palm". However this particular one has redeemed itself. Nice pic. That lad will remember that day for a long time.

Yep, Ailanthus is widely despised as an invasive in North America. However it is often the only tree that will survive in severe urban conditions. I recently found an excellent Ailanthus in urban woods that has old-growth characteristics and is in excellent health, a superb tree that defies the species reputation.
-moss

Yes, this is an amazing tree. It was originally planted around here about 120 years ago because of the fact that it could not only grow, but thrive in what was then, the poor soil conditions in town. But man oh man did it spread. Two years ago I had to spray a large grove of it along the Pine Creek Rail Trail for the state. It was so thick, that everyone who went through that section complained of the smell of it. Nothing like going out into the country for a breath of fresh air, and walking into what smells like a herd of Tom cats' had just sprayed all over everything....repeatedly. UUGH!
But here's the thing, before I sprayed, I scouted out the area real good. I hiked about 200 yards up the mountain to see how far it had spread. I just quit at that point. They will NEVER get rid of it. The Pine Creek area has 1000's and 1000's of acres of beautiful hardwood forests. I grew up here. I hate what I see happening. But so it goes I guess.

I hear you on the bad side of Ailanthus. In New England it only spreads into disturbed areas, I've never seen it growing in intact native hardwood forest. When it flowers the smell is definitely a powerful male cat odor. Similar to some eucalyptus species which also carry that smell when flowering.
-moss