We saw this remarkable burl, and Ross formed an almost immediate attachment to it!
Doesn’t it look like the face of an old man?
Redwoods are prone to form these things as a response to some stress: an injury, a fungus, or virus. Depending on how the burl has grown, it may actually be harvested without hurting the tree (but not usually).
The burls are prized by wood craftsmen for their very unusual grain.
A state park north of us closed a road through its old growth redwood grove last summer every night due to repeated assaults on its trees during the night hours by thieves with chainsaws!
Ah, people–disgusting at times.
These old-growth giants are 1000 years old and more! To kill one by taking out the burl at its base is beyond immoral….
The ole Wood turners would give thousands of $$$$ for these burls…
Gotta grow your own, Roger. Be patient, it’ll take 5-600 years….