Earlier this year, the Museum’s Train Shed Exhibit Hall was struck by a falling tree. A sudden wind storm had caught the crown of the more than 120-foot tall tree and laid it across the Train Shed roof. Repair costs topped more than $140,000, and would have been very disruptive had it not been for the pandemic. This was the second tree strike in 10 years so the Museum’s leadership ordered a tree health study.
A certified arborist studied all the trees within 150 feet of the campus structures, and the results were concerning: more than a dozen hemlock trees had developed root rot. Unfortunately, the western hemlock is susceptible to several species of fungus that attack the roots. Naturally, that weakens a tree’s resistance to wind. The resulting root rot has been implicated in the tree fall earlier this year.
A local tree service was engaged to remove the diseased trees, along with several over-mature cottonwood trees. With the closeness of the buildings and railroad, most of the trees were brought down two feet at a time. A logger climbed to the top of each such tree and beginning with the crown cut off two feet at a time and worked his way down.
The logging operation was an unfortunate necessity in protecting the Museum’s collections. However, there is a silver lining: the felled trees are being cut up to use as fuel in the 924, or at least after the wood seasons in six months or so.
Good morning and Merry Christmas, Hope you had tree specialist look at all the trees around all the buildings. Trees are a long term crop. Just like a garden, it has to be weeded now and then. More healthy trees will grow. Stay safe. Dave E.