Big Maryland Oaks

Big Maryland Oaks	Will Blozan
	Feb 22, 2005 06:34 PST

Howard,

I just came across two Maryland trees I measured on 12/31/1997

American sycamore near Seneca Locks, C&O Canal 19'4" x 125.4' x 96.4' avg.
spread (107.5' longest). I have photos. Certainly not the tallest in the
area!

White oak: "Linden Oak" Rt. 355, Bethesda? Md, 19'7" x 87.2' x 130.1' avg.
spread (141' long spread- may be near 150' by now!)

I spent many days as a boy in the Seneca Creek watershed, and know of a few
huge white oaks you or Darian can check out if you want.

Will B

RE: Big Maryland Oaks	Darian Copiz
	Feb 22, 2005 06:42 PST

Will,

I planted acorns from the "Linden Oak" in the fall of 2000. I selected
one of the trees that came up. The tree is now about 7' tall and has a
caliper of close to 2". I'm hoping it lives up to its parent's
potential.

Darian

RE: Big Maryland Oaks	Will Blozan
	Feb 22, 2005 08:36 PST

Darian,

Have you seen the Travilah Oak? It has similar dimensions as the Linden Oak
but slightly less.

Gorgeous tree! I also lived two blocks from Ancient Oak
Drive in Gaithersburg. Well named! Huge dogwoods, too. There is another huge
white oak .5 miles away that is semi-forest grown and probably 16' in girth.
I can find the location if you want to check it out. Knowing the area
though, it is probably buried under a sign that says "Giant Oak Estates".

Will B

RE: Big Maryland Oaks	Darian Copiz
	Feb 22, 2005 09:00 PST

Will,

I have seen the Travilah Oak which I think looks healthier than the
Linden Oak. I would be interested in the 16' girth oak. Montgomery
County is better than some as far as saving significant trees, so it may
still exist (could be in the center of the traffic circle at the
entrance to "Giant Oak Estates" and might survive one more year).

Darian

RE: Big Maryland Oaks	Will Blozan
	Feb 22, 2005 13:22 PST

Darian,

Incidentally, when I was working as an arborist in MD in 1986 I pruned the
"Forest Oak", the iconic symbol of Montgomery County (I think it died in
1997). One of the lower limbs had died, and after I cut it off (32"
diameter) I counted 287 growth rings. That means it was only an 80 year old
tree when General Braddock and Governor Sharpe met in its shade. I have
photos if you have never seen it. Super gnarly! Pruning that tree is one of
the highlights of my 20 years as a tree climber!

My parents almost bought the house across the street from the Travilah Oak.
I pushed and prodded but it was just too expensive I guess!

I will look up the other tree and do my best to give directions.

Will B

RE: Big Maryland Oaks	Will Blozan
	Feb 22, 2005 17:41 PST

John,

Having lived in the area for 18 years, I know the topography like it was my
own backyard. It was, as a matter of fact, and I watched the trees around
the oak fall for the current development. I actually started a forest fire
near the tree in one of my boyhood exploits. I managed to get it out after
1/2 hour of desperate water carrying and stomping. Phew!

There was a huge white pine on the site of a house in the development. My
brother and I called it "Old Faithful" since it stood weather-beaten and
gnarled in the middle of a corn field. We used to lie on the dense limbs
which were like pine-scented mattresses and watch the farmer work the
fields. He never saw us. I even had my cousin launch a radio-controlled
glider from the tree on its maiden flight. The tree was pushed over and
replaced by a Bradford pear... I had boughs of the fallen pine draped over
the windows in my bedroom for months after it was felled. I was traumatized
by the loss, as I climbed it nearly everyday. Another traumatic experience
was digging a groundhog out of its burrow after a bulldozer pinned it at the
waist at the opening. I still despise unconscientious developers...

Will

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