Above / The historic Hobson Oak tree located near the intersection of Hobson and Greene Roads came down in November 2016. Arborists had determined the bur oak has reached the end of its life and the resulting decay makes it time to remove the tree for safety reasons. Oh! The memories that were shared about the mighty Hobson Oak sprouted in the river valley of the East Branch of the DuPage River before the American Revolution. The picturesque tree had been a landmark to Native Americans, farmers, commuters and residents. Happy Earth Day! Happy Arbor Day, too!
I have many happy memories of climbing trees in my neighborhood growing up in Freeport. We had a pair of maples in our back yard that had branches perfectly positioned for reading my latest choices from the Freeport Public Library. We had the best librarian who always seemed to have the perfect suggestions for my four siblings and me when we stopped in every Saturday morning!
Down the street on an empty lot there was a pine tree whose branches made the perfect ladder almost to the top. I would probably have a heart attack if my grandchildren climbed that high, but it was wonderful swaying in the breeze, high above the little cares of my little world. When Mom needed me, she would send my sister out to look for me calling out after her, “Remember to check the trees!”
I hope that every one of you has a fond tree memory from your childhood. I also remember how my mom cried when the elm trees that lined our street were all marked to be cut down because of Dutch Elm Disease. They were so gorgeous as they formed a perfect arch over the street as their branches reached out to each other from opposite sides of the street. I missed the shade they provided as I rode my bike over and over in a figure 8 up and down our block. There was little traffic on our street, back in the days when there was one car per household and the dad took it to work for the day.
The bus stopped at the end of our street, so I could get around town and meet my friends downtown when I was older. Ten cents each way, with a dimes worth of lemon drops for the ride home, made a fun day.
Getting serious, Arbor Day is April 25 and a good time to think about planting trees. If at all possible, I encourage you to plant an oak tree. Oaks are vital to more than 500 native plant and animal species, making them pillars of our native natural ecosystems.
The White Oak (Quercus alba) is the State Tree of Illinois and a beautiful tree it is! But all trees can be invaluable in many other ways. They can shade our homes, filter pollutants out of the air, remove carbon from the atmosphere and help manage stormwater runoff.
If you can’t plant a tree on your own property, look for places that would like a tree or donate to an organization that plants trees. If you need suggestions, contact me.
