We didn’t expect it!
And still don’t know all the damage it may have done.
The news came with pictures confirming what had happened.
Lots of rain had fallen at home, and the ground became saturated. Thundershowers came every afternoon.
“We heard a loud boom,” Andrew said.
“And we went out to see what it could be,” Laura Ann added.
A big tree had been blown over when the wind gave it a shake and push! Over it went! Roots up in the air.
The heavy tree fell on the chicken pen, taking the fence down, and crunching it up. It fell on Andrew’s truck! It fell on the tractor! And it took the lives of several of our laying hens.
The pictures told the story.
When we get home Andrew and Gary will have the job of cutting the downed tree into manageable segments to remove it. Then they can assess the damage and see what can be done.
Earlier we had lost a few trees around the pond due to the same problem. Lots of rain soaked the roots of the trees which didn’t have a very wide root base. When the wind came, the roots didn’t hold, couldn’t hold, and fell when blown against.
Too much water can cause a tree to have root rot. With all the water, the tree roots can’t get enough oxygen to stay healthy. The tree roots may grow too close to the top of the soil and not be deep enough to have a strong hold in the ground. Maybe a tree is top heavy and easier to become unsteady and fall. Some trees split making them to be weaker.
If you see exposed roots or cracks in the soil around a tree, beware. A leaning tree could be losing it root’s grip. If you see the roots of the tree are black, and or mushy, suspect root rot. Root rot can cause tree leaves to turn brown or black, too.
Dead limbs should be trimmed and cut off. Mulch, but not too much, can be added around trees. Drainage can be checked and improved.
Mushy, soupy soil isn’t a good place for trees to grow straight and strong. Dead branches and limbs are bad for trees health and growth.
Think about it. Think about your spiritual life.
Are you “growing” a strong spiritual life that will stand up to the winds, rains, storms, and dangerous conditions that life can bring?
Are your beliefs sloppy and unanchored in the truth of God? Is your moral foundation shaky, mushy, and in free fall?
Colossians 2:7 advises us wisely, “Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”
Be strong!
