Bob
Licking creek in Mercersburg has several large (14-16' cbh)
sycamores along it's banks. They are spaced out nicely, as if on
purpose. Some are single, some double, and this one has four
stems. It appears to flood easily and often. This section of the
creek has been part of a dairy farm for hundreds of years. (two
ways this tree could have become multi-stemmed) Sycamores do not
leave much trace where they grow together, not like an oak or
hickory that will maintian a line down to the ground. The stems
did not go straight into the ground in my opinion. There
appeared to be a foot or so of vertical wood between the flare
and the stems. Each stem was 11-13' cbh. My vote is single
specimen.
http://www.pabigtrees.com/trees/species/platanus_sycamore.htm
The tree had two large black snakes climbing around in it too. A
first for me. I watched the snake wiggle his way right up the
trunk, only to have him fall out within 12' of me. I almost
required a wardrobe change!! When I looked up to see where it
fell from, I saw the other snake. Must be mating season, as the
one on the ground started back up the tree again. Quite a sight.
If you look on the website at the sycamore in Lancaster. This
tree was listed as the most massive tree in Penna. in 1920. It
is now a shell with a cbh of over 24'. When it was whole it had
to be close to 30' The opening in the trunk is over 6' wide. The
two remaining limbs are supported by telephone poles from long
ago. The tree is actively growing down over the poles. Very cool
tree.
Scott
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Original message --------------
From: Robert Leverett <dbhg-@comcast.net>;
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Scott,
The Mercersburg Sycamore is an incredible champion - if
it is one
tree. The multi-stem aspect is not an issue. The real
question is
whether or not it started from a single seed? What is
your determination
on that?
Bob
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