Knowledge of trees lost in fog

Is there anyone that doesn’t like trees? We might even dare to suggest that everyone loves an individual tree, or trees.

And, yet, we usually know very little about the trees that command our affection, their age, who planted them, when and why. Some trees, especially oaks and yews, can live for centuries and be witnesses to wars, pestilences and notable world events.

This time of year, people take special note of trees as they shed their summer coats and provide us with a rich tapestry of fading colour. This bank holiday, many of us will be out walking in forests, in city parks and along country roads where we can admire the trees with which Ireland is abundantly endowed.