Evangeline would be proud of work on her tuffet

ST. MARTINVILLE – Evangeline would be proud to see the work being done to her historical tuffet.

Though man and nature have done their parts to inadvertently deteriorate the Evangeline Oak, it is man that will rectify some issues to prolong the tree’s longevity.

The tree is not in the Acadian land, on the shores of the Basin of Minas. It is in Evangeline Oak Park, a site commemorating Evangeline and Gabriel’s plight in Longfellow’s epic poem.

After seeing the Evangeline Oak under stress upon a casual visit, Daniel Green, of Breaux Bridge, decided he would take some initiative. Green, the proprietor of Daniel Green Enterprises Tree Preservation and Removal Services, has begun restoring the tree and its environment. And what’s more, Green is donating all time, efforts and equipment for this project.

“Trees are God’s favorite plants,” Green said. “For me to do that for the tree, I’m working for God.”

Green said the benevolent project will be an educational tool for the people of the area. He will show what can be done, and what needs to be done, to properly care for trees, rather than cut them down.

Green and his crew will execute more than $4,000 worth of pruning, mulching and other preservation projects. Also, $3,000 of lightning protection will be installed. The system includes a copper wire that will be attached to a lengthy limb high above visitors’ heads and a grounding pole that will be mounted nearby. Green said this is a necessary measure to protect the arboreal monument.

Ric Dugan, of Daniel Green Enterprises pointed out that most of the prospective work will be to deplete some of the tree’s natural competition.

Vegetation such as resurrection ferns, creeping fig and other vines have entirely encapsulated the oak, except for the extremities of a few dead branches.

Varying fungi, and some critters like carpenter ants, have over the years found sanctuary among the 35-by-50-foot area where the stately oak stands.

The crew began some biological work last week to promote soil aeration. Dugan explained that the live oak’s roots are a broad, but shallow system. By injecting the topsoil near the tree with fungi, the arborists are supplementing the soil to provide the roots with more oxygen and nutrients.

The tree, estimated to be more than two centuries old, has had its share of manmade destruction, as well.

St. Martinville historian James Akers recalled observing a large concrete and steel augmentation at the base of the oak, which is now barely visible. The persistent tree has almost completely grown around the man-made structure. He said the material was installed in the early 1900s to deter water flowing toward the bayou from damaging the tree. Dugan said this was not a beneficial addition to the tree.

Also, Dugan relayed the instance when the tree actually caught on fire decades ago. Apparently, lights that were installed near the oak started a fire that charred some of the bark. Thankfully, the tree was not consumed by the flames.

When asked if the venerable oak showed signs of its ultimate demise, Dugan said with the planned maintenance the tree should prosper for years.

“This tree has been burnt. It has grown with concrete and steel in it,” Dugan said. “These are some really tough trees.”

Visitors should be able to see changes in the tree’s canopy, limb structure and overall health within 6 months to a year, Dugan said. -- LSN.