Storm rumbles in from the west.
Over the years great care has been taken of the trees on the property. Though there was a grove behind the house at its construction, the building was basically set in a barren field forward and right to left The property was a benefaction of the Bradys. Mrs. Brady especially spent many years considering how to design, construct and furnish the building. But once the structure was in place she also focused on the property.
Mrs. Brady had many a tree planted to accommodate vistas and to complement the structure. Over the years trees have been a constant interest of some Jesuits and others who have managed and maintained the grounds. The stately elms have come and gone. Many a tree has been lost to storms. And many a tree replaced. Still each year a number of dead or ailing trees are removed and replaced
On Saturday in a matter of about five minutes a wicked microburst of wind or a straight-line wind and rain storm landed right at the gate of the property, ripped across it southwest to north east and destroyed about thirty trees.
The wind rushed up the main drive and ripped this 80-foot spruce out of the ground. Several nearby trees were severely damaged.
On a hill overlooking the drive the wind ripped off half of this tree and exposed its heart.
This great tree was about 130 yards in front of the house.
This trunk was so twisted by the wind that it simply severed from its tap root. No root ball at all. This might have happened because the chapel wall faced the tree in the opposite direction from that in which it fell. This could have trapped the wind and created a whirlwind. Our tree surgeon was familiar with other examples of such a twisted severed trunk.
1 comment:
Blake and Bud (groundsman and grounds worker) were quick to contact me and respond that evening on site. Thanks!!! Fr. Kuller, facilities director
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