The tree was the first thing I saw; magnificent limbs stretched across the yard in all directions.

The house was built in 1920 on an acre of land with a few apple trees and an old chicken coop; perfect for a future potting shed. I saw the potential of what it could become. I knew I wanted to buy the house and I hadn’t even gone inside.

My husband, Jim, and I bought the house and moved in. Over the years we beautified the yard and gardens took shape around the tree.

An arborist identified the tree as a white oak; he said it was over 100 years old.

Our oak tree was majestically beautiful in all seasons.

Recently, I’ve been reading:

“Doug Tallamy has established himself as one of the conservation movement’s most respected and important advocates.”

Oak trees are essential for sustaining bird populations.

The trees grow from acorns; acorns are an important food source for many species of birds.

Different birds such as pileated woodpeckers rely on oak trees for nesting sites.

Oak trees support the life of many butterflies, moths and birds. Over 500 different kinds of caterpillars eat oak leaves to survive. The cycle of metamorphosis: egg, caterpillar, pupa (chrysalis or cocoon), adult butterfly or moth. Adult butterflies and moths lay eggs on an oak leaf, the egg hatches, becomes a caterpillar (larva) and eats the leaf. In time the caterpillar drops to the ground and develops into a cocoon or chrysalis.

Plants under and around the tree ensure the caterpillars have a safe landing; they provide the foliage caterpillars need to develop into a pupa.

Adult birds feed caterpillars to baby birds because it’s a food source that is essential for baby birds’ survival. They contain protein and needed nutrients.

Our oak tree was over 80 feet tall and had a massive canopy with branches that extended parallel to the ground.

Oaks are one of the best plants to include at home because they support food webs in all U.S. counties.

I will always be thankful to have had the oak tree in our yard; it was a beautiful and resilient treasure.

In autumn the oak tree wore a glorious crown of Burnt Sienna leaves.

I woke early in those days, waiting for the first glimmer of day light to go out into the garden under the oak tree. I noticed sun rays glinting on the lobed leaves, dancing in-between the branches; the mighty branches that sheltered me.

Everything was peaceful and still; birds lifted their voices in celebration of a new day.

I once had a tree.