60 MPH high wind smashed so many live oak trees in central California

[ponytug]

Pine trees are no good for shade. Never understood why people like having pines in their yard.

To me they are only good for lumber and utility poles.

In some parts of the world, they are prized for their ability to retain their needles and be more effective wind breaks during the winter...

 

[dfkrug]

In NorCal, we have native live oaks and black oaks (Quercus), and tanbark oaks (Lithocarpus). All are hard and produce acorns. The latter were once harvested for their bark, to aid is tanning cattle hides (Yankee dollars).

I have tried black oaks and tanoaks on my small WoodMizer bandsaw sawmill, and it is just too hard for its small 15hp engine. No problem for the Lucas circular saw mill, however. That wood here has little value, however.

Woodburning for heat is only disallowed in the BayArea counties when there is a inversion that traps smoke at ground level. That's a city/suburban issue, primarily. If you build a new permitted house, I think you will be forbidden to install a wood-burning stove/fireplace. Formally, at least.

 

[two_bit_score]

In some parts of the world, they are prized for their ability to retain their needles and be more effective wind breaks during the winter...

Thanks, glad they are liked somewhere. In East Texas they are mostly loblolly pines. Maybe other areas have other species that serve them better which I am not familiar.

 

[jkk04]

Another mess caused by strong wind last night.

Big live oak tree fell down and blocked the road this early morning.

Had to cut the tree with a chainsaw.

Also, the patio heavy glass table flipped over to the iron table.

Cause of a small tornado that was warned by the National weather service at 3 AM.

Tornado in central California????‍🌫
Unbelievable.

 

[orezok]

I was making a drug run this morning…. Oops I meant I was going to the Hospital to get our prescriptions

I was going down the highway at 65 and the shadows from the clouds were passing me! Ground wind speed was 25 to 30 with gusts.

 

[ponytug]

@jkk04 wow! The glass table survived. I'm impressed.

Sorry about all of your trees, it thanks for posting the updates.

All the best,

Peter

 

[coobie]

January 7, 2023, it was high wind, more than 60 MPH that caused so many beautiful live oak trees to fall down during the night in central California.
Sooo Shame...

Of course, I can cut the trees and split them with a log splitter for firewood but it is too much for next year..
I might sell some odd firewood to the neighbors.
As you know, the live oak tree's firewood is best...
Jkim

You ought to see what a good ice storm event does to trees..

 

[sresites]

This was a really big old oak near Sacramento

and in sad condition but nonetheless a beautiful tree come spring time. That root section probably left about a 4-5 foot deep hole.

 

[dfkrug]

Falling oaks has been a plague around here in the last week. I had no internet for several days. Power has been out, too. Huge transmission tower (120KV) fell in San Jose, and another in Sacto, I hear.

Many in the flatlands still out of power. And most need power to stay warm.

We are at 46.5" rain for the season so far (60" is total season average). I had a few mudslides, but few trees down. Can't really clean up the mud until I get 3 days in a row without rain. 8-10 more inches coming in the next week....

 

[California]

A neighbor sent me this photo. A big Acacia tree fell on 1/5 and is blocking the ranch gate. We're at home over in the Central Valley helping daughter with a new baby, so getting back over to the ranch (apple orchard) isn't a priority or crisis.

When we have a chance to get over there I will have to chainsaw that into segments to drag through the gate with the tractor, before I can drive the car down to the house.

Luckily its blocking only my entry from the lane and not the easement, lane, which would have shut off access to the two neighbors beyond me.

Also that looks like the phone line hanging down. This explains why my critter cam on the deck went offline. I hope the electric cable above it survived. Won't know until I can get over there.

"May you live in interesting times ...."