The Life of Live Oaks

The base of "Big Tree" is 35 feet around.

Today is misting rain, chilly and gray. The three ills of a beach town. I wanted to try out my new camera again and knew I wouldn't get any pretty sea, sky or surf photos. That would be difficult for a good photographer and impossible for me.

So I decided to drive out to Goose Island State Park and take a look at the area's most famous tree - "Big Tree." What it lacks in a creative name, the tree makes up for in size.

One of the growths on a Live Oak.

They say it's more than a 1,000 years old and it stands regally at more than 44 feet tall. It is the oldest live oak (Quercus virginiana) in Texas and thought to be one of the largest in the nation. Its impressive girth is more than 35 feet around with its crown spreading 90 feet out. It is the king of trees among the local palms, pines and pecans.

The tree has outlived, so to speak, the town of Lamar. During the Civil War, the town was bombarded and destroyed by the union navy. All that remained was a few old shellcrete (oyster shell concrete) homes, a chapel and the Big Tree. According to climatologists, the tree has survived between 40 - 50 hurricanes, numerous floods, droughts and wildfires. Yet, it stands majestically over Goose Island State Park.

Spanish moss growing on the oak gives additional character.

One of the things I most enjoy about this community is the numerous Southern Live Oaks. We have 22 oaks in our backyard which is great for shade, terrible for satellite reception. Their acorns are also squirrel magnets.

In some older parts of town, roads bend and weave around the live oaks. People have 2x4 poles wedged underneath some weaker limbs for support. Many of the limbs are worn and bent with knots and growths much like a 90-years-old arthritic hands. Along the bay, a row of them lean away from the water, blown by years sea winds pushing against their branches. They refuse to give up, instead they have learned to live with the wind and sea spray.

Along with barbecue, sweet tea and country music, there's nothing more Southern than live oaks.

Wondering how old mine are in the backyard?

These live oaks conform to the direction of the sea's wind.