One thing I remember about Provence are the knobby looking Plane Trees, or as we call them in the U.S. Sycamore trees.
They line the squares and main streets of nearly every town in the region. It is customary to trim them back, in the Fall (giving them this look), to insure that they make a full shade canopy in the hot summer.
These were obviously not trimmed. Many of the trees are dying due to a spreading fungus,
and others are being cut down by orders from the French government. I guess the picturesque roadway lined with plane trees is a traffic hazard. They are so close to the road, that many motorist are killed every year...running into them.Of course there are arguments on both side.
The thing I found most interesting is that most were planted by an order from Napoleon, so that they would shade his marching troops.
That is interesting about Napoleon - the French Arborists must be the world's masters of their craft, I have never visited any other country when the trees are so tailored and trimmed. I know that their Horse Chestnuts trees have a disease which has also spread over here too, but didn't know that their Plane trees were also in trouble.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise Plane trees were called Sycamores in the US Janey, love learning new details. Love that you posted trees on 'love a great day' and even better French trees :)
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise Plane trees were called Sycamores in the US Janey, love learning new details. Love that you posted trees on 'love a great day' and even better French trees :)
ReplyDeleteThe canopy is lovely! I haven't been commenting for a few days because of a family emergency. Go here for explanation: http://visualstpaul.blogspot.com/2016/05/memorial-for-my-sister.html
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen these trees here.
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting post, Janey. I wondered what these trees were. I've seen them in photos before.
ReplyDelete