D is for Deciduous

Deciduous trees are the ones that drop their leaves in a firestorm of color in the fall.  They are the oak, ash, maple, alder, beach, birch, cherry and hickory that are associated with flooring, baseball bats, furniture and cabinetry.  In some climes and indigenous peoples they are an essential food source providing protein and fat, walnuts and hazelnuts.

The deciduous trees are our companions providing shade in the summer and letting the sun shine through in the winter.  Susan Fenimore Cooper put it this way in Rural Hours (1850) “In very truth , a fine tree near a house is a much greater embellishment than the thickest coat of paint …… much more desirable than the most expensive mahogany and velvet sofa in the parlor.”  Urban trees line our streets adding value to adjacent properties, and are actually found in more affluent neighborhoods.  Depending on where you live a deciduous tree can be a fire safer alternative to evergreens.

One of my favorite memories is diving into the pile of leaves, a much more tangible experience than a screen.