Thanks to Tim for his observations about tree damage from June 4th.

There are contractors in Abbey Meadows again today removing branches and boughs that have fallen, or are at risk of falling, from poplar trees alongside the river. This is not the first time recently that work of this kind has been carried out in the area.

The breaks do not appear to show obvious signs of rot or disease. The explanation given by Tim is that recent periods of very wet weather followed by warmer conditions have contributed to stress in some trees, affecting branch strength. Poplar is a relatively fast-growing hardwood known for being lighter and more brittle than many native species.

Poplar timber is used for a range of purposes, including matchsticks, packaging materials, plywood, and baskets, and it can be processed into thin strips for various light construction uses.

Tim suggests this illustrates some of the pressures that more variable weather patterns can place on certain tree species.

Meanwhile, other newly planted trees are dying, possibly due to a lack of sufficient ongoing care after planting.

The tulip tree, just to the left of the main entrance to Albert Park in Abingdon, is currently in flower. It can be identified by its four-lobed leaves and greenish-yellow flowers, marked with orange at the base.

The flowers are not immediately obvious high among the branches, I found one on the ground. Close up, I could see the tulip-shaped petals and long stamens at the centre.

Native to eastern North America, the Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) flowers for a few weeks each year in late spring. Last year I visited Albert Park every month to record how the park changed through the seasons, but missed the tree in bloom. Looking at the number of fallen petals beneath it, it has been flowering for some time already, but more blooms are still appearing.

It has been raining pine cones near Abingdon Library. The cones are scattered near the base of a neighbouring tree, while others have rolled into the road.

Some have rolled or been kicked down the underpass.

The winged seeds beneath the scales are released when conditions are right. If a cone falls before all its seeds have been released, it can continue opening and shedding seeds on the ground. This evening it began to rain. I remembered from school days that pine cones open when they are dry and close when they are damp. The cones had not closed yet.

There is not much chance, however, for any seeds from the cones that rolled down the underpass. But stranger things have happened. Somebody may pick one up, shake out the seeds and plant them.