Author Topic: A Tree for Sheepscot  (Read 872 times)

Dan Malkowski

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A Tree for Sheepscot
« on: November 18, 2024, 12:53:46 PM »
I think we should plant one [near Sheepscot station]. A permanent fixture..

I agree but for the short term, this is the alternative.
« Last Edit: November 18, 2024, 09:48:01 PM by Ed Lecuyer »

Dan Malkowski

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #1 on: November 18, 2024, 01:01:14 PM »
I have one photo of, one of the three, trees we found. It sits just behind the number 11 container. I will see if someone could post it later. The trees we found were all decent with most of them being tree tops.

In terms of a proposed permanent tree there are trees that you can get that only grow about 6-8 feet tall and remain that way. I have a few like that outside my house, so that might be an option but like Stewart said, before anything happens I will have to ask Brendan on a proper placement.

Mike Fox

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2024, 02:22:59 PM »


Mike
Doing way too much to list...

John Kokas

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2024, 05:40:09 PM »
I would suggest blue spruce for the permanent tree.  Stiffer branches and short needles make them ideal for holding light strings and ornaments.  And I wouldn't restrict the height of the tree.  In the future a taller tree, although we might need a high lift to decorate would be like a beacon for advertising purposes since have to comply with the itty-bitty sign rules.  And yes we have those same restrictions is some parts of PA too.
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Bruce Wilson

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #4 on: November 18, 2024, 06:35:24 PM »
I would suggest blue spruce for the permanent tree.  Stiffer branches and short needles make them ideal for holding light strings and ornaments.  And I wouldn't restrict the height of the tree.  In the future a taller tree, although we might need a high lift to decorate would be like a beacon for advertising purposes since have to comply with the itty-bitty sign rules.  And yes we have those same restrictions is some parts of PA too.

Beware the soil conditions preferred by the blue spruce tree and varieties, chief among them being well draining soil. That might limit where at Sheepscot such a tree would find best growing conditions.
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Philip Marshall

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #5 on: November 18, 2024, 09:44:08 PM »
Beware the soil conditions preferred by the blue spruce tree and varieties, chief among them being well draining soil. That might limit where at Sheepscot such a tree would find best growing conditions.

Yes that's a very good point, and the area near the station seems to be especially poorly drained.

Balsam fir or black spruce would be much more tolerant of wet feet than blue spruce, and also have the advantage of being native species (which blue spruce is not).

Ed Lecuyer

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #6 on: November 18, 2024, 09:49:08 PM »
[Moderator's Note]
Discussion has been split from the Nov. 2024 Work Reports thread in Volunteers.
Ed Lecuyer
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Ed Lecuyer

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #7 on: November 18, 2024, 09:51:27 PM »
Quote
Balsam fir or black spruce would be much more tolerant of wet feet than blue spruce, and also have the advantage of being native species (which blue spruce is not).

If we are going to plant anything of permanence around Sheepscot (or any major station for that matter) I would prefer it to be something native to Maine and "period correct" for the common carrier era of the WW&F.
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Bruce Wilson

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #8 on: November 18, 2024, 10:13:26 PM »
Quote
Balsam fir or black spruce would be much more tolerant of wet feet than blue spruce, and also have the advantage of being native species (which blue spruce is not).

If we are going to plant anything of permanence around Sheepscot (or any major station for that matter) I would prefer it to be something native to Maine and "period correct" for the common carrier era of the WW&F.

There are some balsam firs behind my house (on my neighbors property) that look absolutely beautiful with a dusting of snow on them. I'm sure whatever is decided upon will look great.
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Carl G. Soderstrom

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #9 on: November 18, 2024, 11:17:50 PM »
Beware

That unrestricted tree -

There is a Fir (?) tree on my lot in CT that 70 YA was slightly taller than

my Dad @ 6ft. in the mid 50's

In the mid 60s it was 18in in diameter

I just saw it in Oct. - 2 men can not reach around it and the lowest branches are 7ft/8ft

from the ground. It likes where it is.

Benjamin Richards

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #10 on: November 20, 2024, 11:19:33 AM »
... something native to Maine and "period correct" for the common carrier era of the WW&F.

Black spruce (and spruces in general) have quite shallow roots, and are susceptible to toppling by wind. As this would be an isolated tree, a moisture-tolerant fir such as Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea) would be better.

The genus Abies has been known since the Paleogene. Therefore I am confident Abies balsamea would be "period correct".

Gavin Dalessandro

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #11 on: November 21, 2024, 06:50:15 PM »
why don't we just build a pulp rack and fill it with tiny pines

Dante Lakin

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #12 on: November 22, 2024, 09:31:04 AM »
Instead of a pulp rack, why don't we just put pine trees in a flatcar's stake pockets? Would honor the tradition of the railroad using birch for stakes while changing the theme to be more Christmassy ;)

Gavin Dalessandro

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #13 on: November 22, 2024, 11:39:25 AM »
that actually is not a bad idea

Benjamin Richards

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Re: A Tree for Sheepscot
« Reply #14 on: November 22, 2024, 10:47:59 PM »
Structure/loading gauge could become an issue...