Natural Tree Graft

leot · January 26, 2013, 07:54:03 PM

The Tree
Sometime in the early 1960s a white and red pine were struck by lightning. The White Pine fell into the red pine about 25 feet in the air this produced the natural tree graft that you see today. I've been monitoring this tree since the early 1970s. At that time the stump of the White Pine was still there along with a branch sticking out the back side of the red pine. The tree is on private property in the thumb of Michigan.

For 30 some years I would take the thumb area 4-H Camp kids on night hikes to view the tree in the dark. There is nothing like walking 80 kids 2 miles through the woods in the middle of night to see a tree in order to keep the location secret.

When we would arrive at the tree, we would proceed to tell stories. One of the earliest that I remember about this tree, is that at one time there was an eagle's nest on the White Pine portion of the tree.

beenthere · January 26, 2013, 10:30:43 PM

It does look photoshopped to me. That the only pic you have?

Interesting story for sure.

leot · January 27, 2013, 06:57:40 AM

It is not. It is one of only 3 Known of in the state

thecfarm · January 27, 2013, 07:07:40 AM

You talk about odd looking. I never seen or heard of something like that. Where are the other 2?

lumberjack48 · January 27, 2013, 02:19:23 PM

Its absolutely unbelievable how the Norway adopted the White Pine. I've seen trees growing together from the stump up, never nothing like this, very interesting. The other two trees look like there Jack Pine.

Cedar Savage · January 27, 2013, 02:41:47 PM

Cool tree ! it would be interesting to graft a red & white pine togeather on purpose & see if it would take...

Magicman · January 27, 2013, 03:36:47 PM

I have heard that seeing is believing. I'm seeing and still scratching my head.

loggah · January 27, 2013, 04:24:05 PM

Looks like you must never get snow or ice up there, that white pine limb would get torn off for sure!!!! ??? ???

leot · January 27, 2013, 07:42:09 PM

It is quite well protected by high ground around it. as to snow and ice it's Michigan's Thumb so we get it. The other 2 are in the UP. The DNR checks on this one regularly.