Ancient Hickory

The stump of this old Shagbark Hickory fell to the ground last week.  I have no idea how old it was, but 150 years would be conservative.  The tree died 5-10 years ago and all that remained for a long time was a 15' high stump that Red Tailed Hawks like to perch on in their quest for the next meal.  When it was a young tree in the middle of this field, there were no tractors, no cars going down the road, no perennial glow in the sky from the lights in Newark.  Hickory decomposes fairly quickly.  In a very few years it will be completely recycled.  I hope to replant a tree or two near that spot this spring to carry on the tradition.