Record-high temperatures in Arizona, combined with a lack of seasonal monsoons, have caused saguaro cactuses at the Desert Botanical Garden to become “highly stressed,” according to Chief Science Officer Kimberlie McCue. (Jul 27, 2023)
It's happening all over town. A big saguaro fell over last weekend on the property across the street. I saw it every time I drove away. I miss it.
Our yard boasted a big saguaro, too. It flourished under the palo verde, which, acting as its nurse tree, shaded it from the harsh sun
until it outgrew the coverage and poked its head right out of the top of the tree. It survived summers
and wintersand vibrant springs,hosting birds nests on its branches and hollows in its trunk. There was a bee hive for a while, and some wasps made it part of their living situation until I banished them. It lived through torrential rains and whirling winds that toppled less sturdy flora.
This morning brought a different scene. I backed out of the garage, put the UV into Drive, and screeched to a halt (okay, screeched is overkill.... I was going about 2 mph).
This was lying in my way.
I looked up, and was even more appalled. I didn't notice the green branches on the ground until I looked up and saw there they came from.
Right up there at the top of the photo you can see the two raw edges of the branches which are now drooping sadly onto the front yard. The new top of the saguaro doesn't look any happier.
All of this
used to be a nice mixed use unit. Now it's trash.
I'll save the fallen pieces and watch them dessicate, leaving only the ribs behind. I'll keep you posted with photos. Right now, though, I have to meet The HandyMan who will help me cope with the damage.
The desert is a tough place tolive.
Circle of life.
ReplyDeleteOY, now I'm even more depressed !! I hadn't likened it to the aging humans with whom I also find pleasure. But being repurposed into landscape art allows it to live on in my heart. Circle of life.
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We had a big Saguaro under a palo verde in our yard in Tucson, I wonder how it has fared this summer with the heat. I hate to see them fall.
ReplyDeleteThere are dead and dying cacti and succulents and even desert native trees all over town. There's really been no rain to speak of. Climate change, anyone?
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Sad for you to lose a saguaro friend, and to hear the desert saguaros in the wild are stressed.
ReplyDeleteBut probably just as stressed as you with your roofers.... the noise, the smell.... my sympathies.
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The above anonymous comment is from me, just commiserating on the loss of your saguaro. I blame the roofers on my roof pounding as they put on my new roof to my posting as anonymous!
ReplyDeleteThat's a sad loss, like losing an old friend.
ReplyDeleteYes. She and her inhabitants will be missed, indeed.
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