Hello and Happy Fall,
It seems hard to believe Summer is past and we’re headed into the holiday season already. As you may have noticed, our landscaping plans have been delayed due to extreme weather. We remain hopeful that we can get the projects started soon.
We have sad news about the weather’s impact on our landscape. A few weeks ago, lightning struck a majestic live oak in the Fern Garden. Its leaves and branches are dying, and unfortunately, the tree will not survive. Following are a few pictures of the tree after the lightning strike.
We are monitoring the tree to preserve it for as long as safely possible. When removal becomes necessary, we will work with our arborist to replace it, ideally with another live oak. Why the same species? Live oaks are beautiful, majestic, and valuable for many reasons. Here are a few facts about their importance:
- Why are they called live oaks? Unlike other trees that go dormant, they stay green and “alive” throughout winter.
- Live oaks symbolize strength. The U.S.S. Constitution reportedly earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs bounced off its live oak hull.
- Live oaks often live for hundreds of years and, under ideal conditions, may survive for 1,000 years or more. Examples include Louisiana’s Seven Sisters Oak (1,000 years), South Carolina’s Angel Oak (more than 1,500 years), and Louisiana’s Dueling Oaks (300 years).
- Their canopies provide much-needed shade and support a diverse ecosystem of wildlife, including birds and squirrels.
- Fallen acorns are more than a cleanup nuisance; they are a valuable food source for squirrels, and birds.
- Well-adapted to coastal environments, live oaks tolerate salt spray and occasional flooding while helping to stabilize soil and reduce erosion.
- Deep roots and low, sturdy branches help live oaks withstand strong winds, making them well suited to hurricane-prone areas.
- Live oaks have exceptionally strong, sprawling branches that create a striking silhouette. Their character and appearance make them a popular choice in historic cities.
- Because of their ecological and cultural importance, live oaks are protected by both the state of Florida and the Village of Estero.
As VCC residents, we enjoy these stately trees throughout our community—from the Fern Garden and the shade along Country Creek Drive to the grand welcome they create at our main entrance. Soon, white lights will make their branches even more striking. Please take time to appreciate our live oaks. We are fortunate to have them and are working diligently with our landscapers and arborists to preserve them.
