Friday, August 2, 2024

Seagrape Tree Nature Friday

 




Above is the giant Seagrape tree in our back yard. Way back in 1990's he found a 20-inch piece of sea grape, like a piece of driftwood. It had one leaf and 2 or 3 roots hanging off and it floated past him while wade fishing in the Manatee River. He brought it home and I scoffed as he planted it and now here, we are wanting it GONE but that would cost THOUSANDS. Who Knew it would grow so big. It was not a problem until we reach OLD AGE. A few weeks ago, he trimmed it with chain saw while I held cell phone ready to punch 911, and as I was dragging the limbs to the curb for pick up I said. Hey
Look at these two, they would make great walking sticks.
And they do, they are also good for warding off bad dogs that live next door.
We need one taller one to be proper for using for walking.
Below is a photo from a 2010 post, the year the leaves were all blown off and we thought the tree would die, and even though I crossed my fingers, it came back.


Just for fun, I googled sticks for sale and wow, who know you can sell STICKS and we chopped these down and dragged to the curb.
Joining Rosy and Sunny for Nature Friday at Adventures of the LLB Gang (llbinourbackyard.blogspot.com)







20 comments:

Ginny Hartzler said...

This was a really super idea, to use the sticks!!! Now I am thinking of other ways you can use them!

easyweimaraner said...

the sticks are super, we would stick with it too... what a wonderful tree... we need such trees here too...

Ann said...

Those make perfect walking sticks. I guess people will buy anything these days. Nice to know that if you want some extra income you can always sell sticks off your seagrape tree.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Rustic walking sticks do have a certain appeal. Maybe you have a whole new business at hand, Sandra.

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
I have a Hazel-wood walking stick that I use all the time in The Grey - it's sturdy and strong and has a duck's head handle, the 'beak' of which is very useful for doing things I can't quite reach! (Like opening the front doors from behind the seats, or switching the battery off after it's done charging the house battery... and it occasionally get's used for short walks out and about! So yes, those wooden sticks are valuable. Maybe you could find an artisan who is looking for raw wood to decorate like mine is and he would buy the sticks for a bulk cost. A little cash your way and a boon for him (or her)! YAM xx

Rose said...

I want the tall one! I also love that tree...

Sparky said...

Good idea about making the walking sticks. Those are popular. Your Seagrape problem is like my Sago Palm problem. I planted too many of those around the house, and too close to it, not knowing that they are invasive, get huge, are difficult to kill and are poisonous! My bad. Now I'm trying to kill 'em. Can't use a chainsaw. It will actually destroy the blade and gears. I really need to start researching my plantings better. *lol* One of them in the back I lassoed Old Red (the 2010 pickup truck) to the base and yanked it outta the ground. Then tossed it out in the woods. Made a mess but it worked. 💙

Pamela M. Steiner said...

That tree sounds amazing! I love your walking sticks, and I think I need to remember to take a stick with me when I go walking, for the same reason. I just mentioned a dog encounter in my last post. That tree is there for a reason...maybe it will be a source of income for you yet!!! God works in mysterious ways! Have a lovely day!

Mevely317 said...

I love those walking sticks!
Maybe on account of Tom's mobility issues (or lack thereof), I'm interested in getting him one. They're really becoming popular.
Years and years ago Ron and I went to an art festival at Mt. Dora where a craftsman making beautiful walking sticks. I wanted one in the worst way but let myself be talked out of it. Silly, but that's something I've always regretted.

Betty Manousos said...

I’ve never seen a tree like this. and these walking sticks are valuable and perfect for going walking. happy Friday ! xoxo

Breathtaking said...

Hi Sandra :=)
I just love your wooden walking sticks. I have a couple myself and use them regularly. I sell logs but didn't know there was a market for sticks. I see your point about not getting a tree surgeon in to remove the Sea Grape tree, and now there is this new reason why you should keep i
All the bestt

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Well, that tree did provide some useful walking sticks for you, Sandra, and now that you found out the sticks can be sold, the tree could be useful 😉 When we lived in Va, we planted sticks of crepe myrtles and the neighbors laughed at us. They survived and grew into trees that would required constant trimming, so I know how you feel about he one in your yard.

My Mind's Eye said...

BOL BOL MS
you walk tall and carry a really tall stick
Hugs Cecilia

Debby said...

My husband used to make walking sticks for the family. Your tree is nice. Are the roots a problem?

Chatty Crone said...

Did you get rid of the sticks already - go get them and sell them. They almost look like a grape color; I think that was an amazing story of growth!

Brian's Home Blog said...

Those really do make great walking sticks but they are pretty much standing still.

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

lol...I love seeing that you are no the only one who has brought home stray plants. It is a beautiful green/. I can understand what a pain in the legs it must be to thin out and drag to the curb!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I like the walking sticks. That is a very interesting story about how the tree started. So Bob actually worked on it a few weeks ago? True, it's not a problem until old age. Mark is outside right now doing trimming.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

That is one big grape tree. Cool idea with the walking sticks.

We heard you have a big storm brewing in the ocean. Hope it stays away from you.

Woo - Misty and Timber

DeniseinVA said...

That’s amazing how it started. The leaves are really pretty and those are great looking walking sticks.