The Cork Oak

[formariz 11,987]

Been back here for a couple of weeks now due to in-laws illness. Spend a lot of time walking around and admiring nature specially things not seen in the States. 
  One tree species that has always been my favorite, is the Cork Oak. They are relatively exclusive to here, country being the largest producer and exporter of cork in the world. Although not in any danger they are a strictly protected species. Even cutting a sapling or trimming a branch on one without the proper authorities taking a look at it first can bring rather severe penalties. Even though not really used for lumber, it’s wood is rock hard and extremely hard to work. It was prized for use in wooden bearings for windmills and oxen carts .

 Trees with cork harvested

 

 

 Bark( cork) already forming on bottom 

Branches will event be harvested also.

[rmaynard 15,436]

With the name cork, you would naturally think that it would be soft, porous, and not hard. Very interesting. 

[formariz 11,987]

1 minute ago, rmaynard said:

With the name cork, you would naturally think that it would be soft, porous, and not hard. Very interesting. 

Only the bark. Wood itself is a rather fierce thing to work with.

[formariz 11,987]

This one is documented to be over 300 years old. It is in a family members property. A few years ago a branch needed to be cut since lightning had broken it and it was dangerous. It literally took an act of congress to do so. There were so many inspectors observing the whole affair that one would think they were inspecting a nuclear reactor.

 

 

 

[oldlineman 1,481]

Very interesting, thanks for taking us along!

[formariz 11,987]

 

[Ed Kennell 38,146]

Very interesting Cas.   Thanks for sharing.   Do the bare trees need to be coated for insect or disease protection after the bark harvest?

Many of our old hydro turbines used a wooden Lignum Vitae bearing.   How would this compare in hardness to your cork trees?

[formariz 11,987]

6 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said:

Very interesting Cas.   Thanks for sharing.   Do the bare trees need to be coated for insect or disease protection after the bark harvest?

Many of our old hydro turbines used a wooden Lignum Vitae bearing.   How would this compare in hardness to your cork trees?

No coating is necessary. They start getting a “skin” shortly after that sort of seals it again. Takes about 10 years for it to be harvested again. It is not as hard as the Lignum Vitae but it’s not far behind. 

[lynnmor 7,305]

You would think that the utility company would move the lines to the other side of the road if a 300 year old tree needs so much protection.

[formariz 11,987]

29 minutes ago, lynnmor said:

You would think that the utility company would move the lines to the other side of the road if a 300 year old tree needs so much protection.

Funny you would say that. They are going to be moved actually onto the field next to the road 

[Yossarian 208]

Those are really neat trees. My only question after watching the video is, where do I find one of those axes? Thanks for sharing that with us.

 

[oliver2-44 9,739]

Prayers for your In-laws health

Thanks for taking us along on the Cork Trees.

[formariz 11,987]

8 hours ago, Yossarian said:

Those are really neat trees. My only question after watching the video is, where do I find one of those axes? Thanks for sharing that with us.

 

Leftovers from Medevial times.

 They are highly specialized for that task. No other tool is used. They are light and used not only to cut but also to pry Cork from trunk. Always scary sharp they can be used like knives also. Looks like a haphazard operation but those guys are extremely skilled with them never once damaging the actual trunk. A scar from an ax on the tree will be a source of shame  for the worker. 

  Too late this time since I am now at airport but next time I’ll bring a couple of them. They are pretty cool looking.

 

 A couple of interesting facts. A Cork oak needs to be around 25 years old to produce any harvestable cork. Once it starts if Cork is not removed, tree will actually not last very long. The removal of the bark in the main trunk at minimum is essential for its survival . They are harvested every 9 to 10 years. Those in video are actual plantations of them pruned and cultivated to stay around that height so as to be conveniently harvested. 
  In between harvests they are also still very essential for the local economy. They are incredible abundant producers of acorns. The other main product of those areas is pork meat. Pigs are herded into those areas daily and feed on the acorns. 

[Handy Don 12,214]

9 hours ago, formariz said:

Pigs are herded into those areas daily and feed on the acorns. 

And they leave behind a little "fertilizer", of course!

[formariz 11,987]

17 hours ago, Handy Don said:

And they leave behind a little "fertilizer", of course!

Nothing like an harmonious balance where the circle of life is complete. In addition to the hogs they also herd sheep into those areas to control the vegetation. No need for machinery. 

[953 nut 55,195]

On 9/8/2022 at 6:06 AM, formariz said:

Leftovers from Medevial times.

 They are highly specialized for that task. No other tool is used. They are light and used not only to cut but also to pry Cork from trunk. Always scary sharp they can be used like knives also. Looks like a haphazard operation but those guys are extremely skilled with them never once damaging the actual trunk. A scar from an ax on the tree will be a source of shame  for the worker. 

  Too late this time since I am now at airport but next time I’ll bring a couple of them. They are pretty cool looking.

TSA will be checking your baggage for sure with those medieval weapons of mass destruction in them.