Nesting

The contrast of branches against the sky makes nest spotting pretty easy.

As temperatures drop, we all find ourselves staying inside more and cozying up with family and friends. Maybe you are enjoying evenings by the fire, sipping warm cider or cocoa, or cuddling under blankets with your kids. This nesting is a natural human instinct--something we often associate with expecting parents--and highlights the comforts of home.

That is a large nest!

With the leaves off Rutherford's trees, many outdoor nests are on view these days. While these may be empty for the winter, we know our avian friends will return once temperatures rise again.

Your Roots Are Showing

So much of a tree's glory is taken in by looking up: leaves, blooms, branches. But just as compelling is what lies at our feet, a tree's roots. These intricate systems that sometimes compete with Rutherford's sidewalks or end up in our sewer pipes are fascinating and integral to a tree's health.

Like something out of the Lord of the Rings, the base of this tree appears to flow over the sidewalk like lava.

Like all plants, trees require water, oxygen and nutrients. Trees rely on roots to store and provide these elements, and roots also help to anchor a tree. 

Fascinating: Above-ground tree root makes the leap from the tree belt.

To preserve our majestic trees we must protect their roots by avoiding damage or injury, over- or under-watering, improper fertilization, improper use of herbicides, deicing salts and other chemicals.

Stronger than concrete.

Ornamental Trees

Can you spot the ornaments on this stunning tree?

You've gotta love the fiery red leaves and colorful flowers that line our streets in spring time.

Lovely globes accent these lacy branches.

But, just because spring blossoms have gone and leaves have fallen doesn't mean our trees are no longer ornamental. 

This charming birdhouse complements the beautiful homes.

Residents of Rutherford know how to spruce up winter branches by adding seasonal decorations.

Love that unexpected sparkle!

Think of it as nature's ornament: who knew that hornets' nest was there before the leaves came down?

Variety Is the Spice of Life

Recently this post from the group Discover the Forest made the rounds on Facebook.

We are so fortunate to have a variety of tree species in our community, from deciduous to coniferous, saplings to 100-year-old trees.

Leaves from linden, oak, ginkgo and a couple other trees

Just scanning the leaves that have fallen on Rutherford sidewalks in recent days offers a hint to the diversity of our trees--how many can you name?

Peaceful coexistence

While our kids are rushing to school, soccer practice and dance classes, let's remind them to take a minute to appreciate the beauty and variety of nature's bounty right here at home.

Can a Tree Smile?

The evil trees in The Wizard of Oz reminded Dorothy that she wasn't in Kansas anymore.

Remember those creepy anthropomorphic trees in The Wizard of Oz? They got angry at Dorothy when she picked an apple from one of their branches? It seemed the knots and bends of a tree's bark were the perfect canvas for creating a face, body and arms.

I know a lot of people who make this face when they're whistling.

Just as we can sometimes see shapes in the clouds, we can imagine trees taking on any number of human qualities.

A bellybutton?

The stately trees flanking Vreeland Avenue in Rutherford appear to be doing jumping jacks or a yoga pose. The branches leaning over a sidewalk seem to be eavesdropping on strollers' conversations.

Sun salutations

An indentation where a branch used to be can be a bellybutton or a cat's eye. And, of course, long, complex roots look like a den of snakes.

That's a real tree face!

Under the Canopy

Google Maps is one way to appreciate our tree canopy

Lying under a canopy is a romantic notion--one that conjures ruffled beds, or beach cabanas. But a tree canopy, which can certainly be filled with romance, is also a very practical thing. In scientific terms it refers to the upper layer, or habitat zone, formed by mature tree crowns.

I guess you could call this one a branch canopy.

The importance of preserving Rutherford's canopy is clear: our trees are a major contributor to the beauty and quality of life here. They provide beauty, shade, flood control, air pollution control, a haven for wildlife and increased property values.

Carmita Avenue has one of the best tree canopies in Rutherford.

Even in winter, the canopy of branches dazzles.

You'll Never Walk Alone

Who wouldn't want to walk down this tree-lined street? 

So many of us are looking for ways to stay fit: Buying exercise machines, joining a gym, doing yoga. But, one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve health is by walking. And, walking outdoors in cold weather among the trees can be great not just for your health, but for your mood, too.

Walking is great exercise, a beautiful canopy of trees is good for the soul.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, winter walking keeps your bones strong, improves your mood and burns calories. And, many in the heath field say that walking can be a powerful tool in fighting a range of health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and even dementia. 

Even in winter, there's color to be found outdoors.

Now, there's research that shows that the closer you live to trees, the better off you are--that in addition to creating fresh air, just being among trees is known to improve mental health.

The heart shape in this stump was a nice surprise.

Of course, slippery sidewalks can be a concern, and if you have certain health issues that make exercising in cold air a risk, run the idea by your physician first.