(As it happens, one of my nature cams captured the whole sad spectacle on video.) A combination of waterlogged soil and stiff, straight-line winds finally resulted in a fallen tree.
When I told friends what happened, they immediately jumped to the same conclusion: that I would be cutting the tree up for firewood. But I don't have a fireplace or a wood-burning stove. And now I have even less habitat for the creatures that used to depend on that old tree for shelter.
As a result, I've been doing everything but stacking new firewood. What follows are 10 ways I've been using my old tree to help feed myself and support area wildlife, too.
And who knows? Maybe the next time you're faced with a newly fallen tree, you'll give some of these a try.
BIRD REST STOPS
I used to love sitting near the old maple and watching the birds take shelter within its hollows and along its branches. Determined to restore some of what's been lost, I've created a few bird rest stops.
First, I selected some large, sturdy limbs which still had several branches attached. Then I gathered several intact and hollow log sections. To keep grass and weeds from encroaching, I removed a small section of turf and covered the area with a thick layer of cardboard and fallen leaves.
Esta historia es de la edición Best of Hobby Farms 2023 de Hobby Farms.
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Esta historia es de la edición Best of Hobby Farms 2023 de Hobby Farms.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Meet Holly Callahan-Kasmala & Chrisie DiCarlo
In Maryland, best friends of 40-plus years share a passion for good food, laughter and, most of all, poultry.
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ON TRACK
Animal activity trackers, also known as pet location trackers, let you keep an eye on your pets or livestock from your phone or computer.
ELECTRIC BORDERS
Here's what you need to know before you buy a portable electric fence.
beyond TRADITION
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Sheep HOOF CARE
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Santa Carota BEEF
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Metabolic Disorders in Cattle
Manage these body conditions in your herd with diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Midsummer Garden
Keep those vegetables growing late into the year with these planting options and advice.
Microclimate Trouble Spots
Spend enough time gardening in one place and you can get to know it well.