Deanin Oak

In July 2017 we were excited to be offered the opportunity to harvest a very large willow tree that had been damaged by a storm in Cape May County New Jersey. During a vicious wind storm the tree was knocked over, landing on the house and deck on the property. Amazingly tall for a willow the top landed on the other side of the house. This tree was judged to be about 150 years old. The tree was still growing and was wonderfully full of vibrant woods that could be utilized in woodworking instead of sent to the wood chippers. Birds and squirrels still made their homes in it, even a possum took up residence. Unfortunately that beautiful tree was damaging the house and had to come down. That’s when Woodlands Woodworks arrived. Carefully removing the trunk parts from the roof, deck and side yards, they cleaned up the area so it was now safe to walk around the house. The final piece was to remove the part of the trunk still standing. With precision and accuracy the ladies of Woodlands Woodworks took down the trunk, landing it exactly where they wanted it to go.

– From the “History of Bethel and Tulpehocken Townships, Berks County Pennsylvania”, 1976, Historical Committee of Northwestern Berks Bicentennnial Committee

Sadly, the Giant Oak was struck by lightening in 2008. Damage to the tree, from the lightening strike and deterioration over the next 6 years, was extensive and the owner was afraid the trunk would fall & block the road to the farmhouse. Tree services were not willing to take on the job, until Allison took a look and decided to give it a try.

The noble tree was timbered and harvested at the Deanin farm by Woodlands Woodworks in 2016/2017. In fact, it is a red oak, not white, As one of the ancient oak trees of America, the trees rings that are remaining appear to be over 400 years old at a recent counting at approximately the 16 ft mark of the trunk. Accurate counting of the rings remains to be done using segments of the trunk.