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The Emory Smith Oak at LSU Hilltop Arboretum in Baton Rouge PROVIDED PHOTO BY LINDA MEDINE The ED White Oak north of Thibodaux PROVIDED PHOTO BY WILLIAM GUION The Stonaker Oak near New Roads PROVIDED PHOTO BY WILLIAM GUION Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save With thick ropy roots, sprawling branches and lush canopy, the iconic Louisiana live oak tree has inspired writers and artists and is beloved by all. The state is fortunate to have Southern live oak trees (Quercus virginiana) in most parishes and a few of the oldest oaks that remain are estimated to be between 400 and 500 years old, before Europeans settled this continent. Photographer William Guion spent more than 30 years photographing the remarkable trees, which have contributed much to the history, culture and quality of life in Louisiana, in hopes of garnering attention and encouraging protection of these monuments of nature.
Acorns, the nuts of oak trees, take between five and 24 months to mature. A nuisance to many, foragers collect and process them to eat. After being leached or roasted, they have a nutty, sweet flavor.
In addition to supporting air quality, preventing erosion and stormwater control, the trees provide wildlife food and shelter and add character and beauty to towns, yards, parks and open fields. “For all of their popularity and appeal, the old live oaks are in trouble in Louisiana,” Guion wrote. “The trees are subject to increasingly violent storms, a rising coastline, pollution, invasive nonnative termites, changing weather patterns and little or no protection from unrestrained development,” he said.
The demise of ancient oak trees made local headlines in August , when residents of Gonzales were shocked to learn that two large live oak trees, one named The Piccadilly Oak and a landmark in the community, were cut down to build a restaurant. Formerly known as “The Piccadilly Oak”, the stump from a large live oak tree is seen Thursday afternoon, August 29, 2024, near the intersection of E. Ascension Street and Airline Highway in Gonzales, La.
The Piccadilly Oak was estimated to be well over 100 years old, according to Coleen Landry, chair of the Louisiana Live Oak Society. Currently, there are no state laws in Louisiana to protect historic or heritage trees, and only a few local ordinances that offer any protection from human removal. In August, the city of Mandeville created a live oak adopt-a-tree program to help with monitoring the health and growth of 28 trees identified along the lakefront of the community; some may consider that a good start.
“It’s only through public awareness and human interest that a tree’s survival is secured,” Guion said. In his book, "The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees," author Doug Tallamy says that the oak tree — not just a live oak, but any species of oak — is one of the most essential members of the plant kingdom. “Oaks support more life-forms and interactions than any other tree genus in North America, sustaining everything from acorn-collecting woodpeckers to caterpillars that dazzle like jewels.
” Seven Sisters Oak in Mandeville On Sunday, the Friends of Hilltop Arboretum will offer an opportunity for participants to spend an afternoon celebrating this keystone tree, featuring local experts who will help to explore the history and rich ecology of native oak trees. Discussions and resources will be available for attendees who want to plant, preserve and help protect these valuable trees. Featured experts include: Frank Thibodeaux, Bob’s Tree Preservation Scott Courtright, Trinity Tree Service Baton Rouge Green LSU AgCenter Southern University Ag Center Louisiana Live Oak Society Courtright will discuss selecting the right type of oak tree for the right space.
“The health of an oak tree sometimes starts at the beginning when planted. What type of tree and where it is planted is crucial for its future survival,” Courtright explained. Seven Brothers Oak (Lastrapes Oak) south of Washington Thibodeaux will advise on caring for the aging oak tree and sharing stories of some historic trees still alive today.
“There are several points of consideration when dealing with older, mature trees like soil, street support and pest management,” he said. Baton Rouge Green experts will demonstrate proper tree planting, pruning and mulching techniques. Those lucky enough to have an old oak tree on their property can get information on registering a century oak into the Louisiana Live Oak Society of the Louisiana Garden Club Federation.
The Live Oak Society was created by Dr. Edwin Stephens, the first president of the now University of Louisiana at Lafayette in the 1930s. The society, whose only members are trees, now has thousands of trees across the South as members.
The club’s goal is “to promote the culture, distribution and appreciation of the live oak.” The Mr. Al Oak in New Iberia Celebration participants will be treated to charcuterie and wine tastings from Oak Farm wines.
Varieties of oak saplings, Guion and Tallamy’s books and trees guides will be available, and tree-themed activities and crafts for children will be on-site. This article is supplied by the Louisiana Master Naturalists of Greater Baton Rouge, which seeks to advance awareness, understanding and stewardship of the natural environment. For more information, email info@lmngbr.
org ..
