The secret to keeping your holiday greenery fresher longer
By Jessica Damiano
Associated Press
I’VE PLANTED THE POT-
ted mums in the garden and packed away the scarecrows — now it’s time to deck the halls.
That means filling vacant pots with evergreen branches foraged from my trees and shrubs, hanging cedar swags on the porch and placing a wreath on the door.
They’ll look great at first, of course, but that threatens to change as December marches on. And since nothing says “The Addams Family” like a house adorned with crispy spruce boughs, my challenge will be to keep them fresh for as long as possible.
The best way to do that would be to treat them like produce. After all, both evergreen stems and vegetables are clipped from a plant, at which time their countdown clocks start ticking.
The secret to longevity for both is moisture. Just as supermarkets use misters to keep produce fresh, we can keep holiday greenery fresh longer with water.
How to cut them
If harvesting stems from your garden, cut them in the morning, when they are the most hydrated and the least stressed. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle, which will provide a larger surface through which water can enter.
If bringing them home from the store, clip the end of each stem in the same manner. The fresh cut will remove the dried-out layer of tissue that would otherwise block water absorption.
How and where to soak them
Whether purchased or harvested, immediately place the cut ends of your branches into a bucket of room-temperature water and set it outdoors in a shady spot. Allow them to soak for at least 2 hours (24 would be ideal) until you are ready to use them.
How to arrange them indoors and out
When arranging branches in vacated plant containers outdoors, moisten the soil first, then insert the freshly cut
ends. Check moisture levels between freeze-thaw cycles and amend, if needed.
Wreaths and garland used outdoors are exposed to drying winter winds, which hasten dehydration. Combat that with a light misting two or three times a week. But be careful not to overdo it, as that would encourage mold.
In the South, heat and sunlight can quickly turn greenery brown, so place wreaths, garlands and pots in the shadiest available spot. When making container arrangements, push stems deeply into moistened soil and water every day or two in the morning or evening, when the sun is at its weakest.
Keeping indoor greenery fresh is even more of a challenge. Inserting branches into moistened floral foam helps. Water as needed to keep the foam moist. And display all evergreen decorations away from radiators, forced-air heating vents, fireplaces and drafts. Will these tips guarantee fresh greenery on New Year’s Day? Not exactly. Even with the best care, two import-
ant factors remain out of our control: the weather and the age of the branches at the time of purchase. But keeping them moist and shaded will ensure they stay fresh for as long as possible.
Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the Associated Press and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter.
Above, holiday greenery is displayed at a Home Depot store in Jericho, N.Y., on Dec. 2. At right and cover photo; a holiday arrangement of greenery is displayed at a home on Long Island, N.Y. (PHOTOS BY JESSICA DAMIANO VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS)
More holiday greenery is displayed at a Home Depot store in Jericho, N. Y. (JESSICA DAMIANO VIA ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Lee Reich | In the Garden
How to identify leafless trees in the winter
TRYING TO IDENTI-
fy leafless trees this time of year is a nice game I like to play alone or with a friend while walking and enjoying the brisk air. I like this game because it forces me to take a close look at the more subtle details of plants, in so doing giving increasing appreciation of the plants even now when they are stripped of leaves and flowers.
Of course, this is hardly a game with some trees. Everyone recognizes paper birch by its peeling, white bark. (Watch out, though, grey birch has similar bark.)
Catalpa tree is quickly identified by its long, brown pods. And pin oak by its growth habit, its lower branches drooping downward, its mid-level branches spreading out horizontally, and its upper branches reaching for the sky.
Most deciduous trees don’t have such obvious signatures this time of year. Then, what’s needed is an observant eye and a good resource to describe trees in words and pictures. Particularly helpful are those books that take you through a logical
sequence of steps in identification. Or the web, of course.
One of the first features I look for when I’m confronted with an unknown, leafless tree is the arrangement of the buds on the young twigs. Are the buds “opposite” (in pairs, one bud right across another along each twig), or “alternate” (single and separated from each other along the length of stem)?
It turns out that most deciduous trees around here have alternate buds. Conversely, most shrubs have opposite buds. So, if I see opposite buds on a tree, the choice immediately is narrowed to MADCapHorse. No, that’s not a typo; it’s an acronym for Maple, Ash, Dogwood, Caprifoliacae (honeysuckles and viburnums, for example), and Horsechestnut, all trees with opposite buds and leaves. That still leaves the challenge of honing down the choices of species within one of those genera or family groupings.
Other features further narrow the choices within opposite- or alternate-leaved trees. The shape of the buds can be telling. For example,
flowering dogwoods have flower buds that look like little buttons capping short stalks. Pawpaw’s buds are rusty brown, and fuzzy like velour. Also telling are twig color. Purple twigs covered with a cloudy coating identify a tree as boxelder.
Another feature I look for,
hopefully before it finds me, is thorns. If present, the tree is most likely black locust, honeylocust, hawthorn, or wild plum. Black locust has short thorns, honeylocust has long thorns, often branching, and plum’s thorns are, in fact, short, sharp branches with little buds along their length.
Not native the Northeast, but occasionally planted — by me, for example — is osage orange, with the most vicious thorns of all. Fruits are another guide. Prickly gumballs hang almost through winter from sweetgum trees.
STOCKBRIDGE
Upcoming events at Berkshire Botanical Garden
Berkshire Botanical Garden presents the following upcoming program: Saturday, Dec. 20, 4 to 5 p.m., “The Winter Solstice: A Meditation Gathering.” Step into the stillness of the season with a peaceful candlelit meditation, guided by mindfulness facilitator Sandrine Harris.
As the sun reaches its lowest point and winter quietly begins, we’ll gather in the cozy warmth of BBG’s
Center House, surrounded by art and gentle light. Together, we’ll explore the beauty of slowing down, tuning in and welcoming the introspective energy of the solstice. No meditation experience is needed — just an open heart and a willingness to pause. Embrace this sacred seasonal shift with intention and inner calm. Cost is $20 members, $30 nonmembers. For more information, visit www. berkshirebotanical.org. Berkshire Botanical Garden is located at 5 West Stockbridge Road.
Send items for Garden Notes to pmastriano@repub.com two weeks prior to publication.
How to deal with mold and mildew
By Jolie K err
The Washington Post
MOLD AND MILDEW ARE often associated with bathrooms and basements, but these fungi can appear in just about any place in the home — as well as outside it. While a small amount isn’t cause for alarm, when you spot it, it’s best to eliminate it quickly to prevent growth, as deeper infestations can sicken humans and animals.
Preventing mold and mildew in the first place through proper ventilation, maintaining healthy humidity levels and regular cleaning is ideal. However, even with these efforts, mold and mildew growth can and will happen.
To answer our most pressing questions on this unpleasant topic, we enlisted experts Doug Huntley, a senior global research and development director at 3M; Melanie Carver, chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA); and Yesenia Soto, a research and development manager at 30 Seconds Cleaners.
What exactly are mold and mildew?
We often speak of mold and mildew as one and the same but, while similar, there are differences between the two. They are both fungi, they can lead to health problems in humans and animals, and they can damage your home and property.
However, mold has a fuzzy, raised appearance, whereas mildew is a flat growth that can appear powdery. In addition, mold is typically darker and green or black in color, while mildew runs from white to gray.
How much do I really need to worry about mold and mildew?
Small amounts of mold are unlikely to cause health problems, but a larger presence can pose a risk to you.
Mold allergies typically mimic hay fever: sneezing; runny nose; coughing; itchy or watery eyes; and dry, itchy skin. Mild mold allergy symptoms, while unpleasant, are not cause for serious concern, but there are some conditions caused by mold that require immediate medical attention, including mold-induced asthma and fungal sinusitis. “Generally, however, mold doesn’t cause infections throughout the whole body in most people,” the Mayo Clinic says. “Exceptions include people with weakened immune systems or ongoing lung conditions.”
What about black mold?
That’s the bad one, right?
There are several different types of mold, in colors ranging from white to black; according to AAFA, two of them, Stachybotrys and Ulocladium, are black molds. Black molds are not necessarily more or less dangerous than other types of mold, in that all molds can pose a health risk — rather, the scope of a mold infestation is what to focus on.
Where should I look for mold and mildew? Are there signs?
Soto says to be on the lookout for these common indicators of mold: peeling paint, water stains, warped surfaces or mystery allergy symptoms that flare up indoors. “Mold has a sneaky way of showing up,” she says, “and it loves to leave clues.”
Mold and mildew can usually be identified in two ways: by sight or
smell. “Molds can be black, white and other colors,” Huntley says. “You can usually see or smell a mold problem; most molds produce musty odors that are the first indication of a problem. Mold can appear as slightly fuzzy, discolored or slimy patches that increase in size as they grow.”
What causes mold and mildew?
“Mold is most likely to grow in areas that are frequently or continuously damp and humid,” Huntley says, which he defines as a space that has an indoor humidity reading of greater than 60 percent; AAFA recommends keeping your home’s relative humidity (RH) between 30-50 percent. “Bathrooms, around windows and basements can be hot spots,” he says, “and any area that has experienced water damage or a water leak should receive special attention. Condensation on windows and water pipes are also common sources of indoor moisture.”
Can I clean mold and mildew myself?
Yes, but there are safety considerations and some caveats to be aware of. Eliminating mold is a relatively straightforward job, but before DIY-ing it, consider the size and scope of your mold problem and call professionals if necessary. “If in doubt,” Huntley says, “consult the EPA’s resources on dealing with mold in the home and consider hiring a professional.”
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends calling a professional “if you are unsure about how to clean an item, or if the item is expensive or of sentimental value. Look for specialists who are affiliated with professional organizations.”
Because mold and mildew are allergens, it is important to take precautions when you know you will come in contact with them. “For people with asthma or mold allergy, it is best to have
someone else clean up mold whenever possible,” Carver says.
What cleaning agents should I use?
Carver says that most molds can be cleaned and removed with soap and water and white vinegar; a soft bristle scrub brush can help to lift spores and eliminate staining.
When choosing the right cleaning agents for the job, Soto says, “It’s important to use a product that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency to kill mold.”
You may also choose to use a commercial fungicide; the EPA, as well as the experts we spoke to, do not recommend using chlorine bleach for mold cleanup. “Chlorine bleach and aerosol disinfectant sprays can be harmful to the airways and are not the best choice,” she says. “Bleach can kill mold on nonporous surfaces like glass, tile, sinks, bathtubs and some plastic, but it is not recommended due to health risks and its limitations.”
How do I clean mold and mildew?
“The goal is to keep both the mold and the cleaning chemicals from getting on your skin or entering your body during the cleanup,” Huntley says. When working with mold or mildew, follow these safety guidelines provided by the experts we spoke to:
• Wear gloves: The EPA recommends wearing chemical protection gloves that extend to the mid-forearm, Huntley says. Regular household cleaning gloves may not provide enough protection when working with mold and mold-killing chemical agents. Look for the designation “chemical resistant.”
• Use eye protection: Goggles help to protect eyes from irritation caused by mold, as well as the cleaning agents used to eliminate it. Select a pair that are not vented to ensure thorough eye protection.
Mold in the corner of a window. Mold has a fuzzy, raised appearance, whereas mildew is a flat growth that can appear powdery. (ADOBE STOCK IMAGE)
YEAR END SAVINGS BATH & SHOWER SALE
End The Year With A BANG -
AFTER
YEAR END SAVINGS BATH & SHOWER SALE
Not A Bathroom You Hate
End The Year With A BANG - Not A Bathroom You Hate
Dear Neighbor,
Dear Neighbor,
Here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud: If you don’t take action now, you’ll be stuck with that outdated, cracked, or just plain ugly bathroom well into 2026
Here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud:
But there’s good news — and a serious incentive to move right now.
For a very limited time, we’re o ering:
$699 OFF Your New Bath or Shower
50% OFF Installation
If you don’t take action now, you’ll be stuck with that outdated, cracked, or just plain ugly bathroom well into 2026
$0 Down, 0% Interest Financing
But You’ve Gotta Act Fast…
But there’s good news — and a serious incentive to move right now.
We’re heading into the final stretch of the year, and everyone wants their remodel done before the holidays or at least locked in before 2026 price hikes hit.
For a very limited time, we’re o ering:
That means our installation schedule is tightening up by the hour. Once we’re full, that’s it. You’ll be bumped into next year—and pay more for the same job.
You’ll get:
$699 OFF Your New Bath or Shower
A premium product at a fair price
50% OFF Installation
A company backed by over 4,000 5-star reviews
A lifetime warranty that covers installation and post-install service
$0 Down, 0% Interest Financing
All with NO pressure and a price locked in for a full year, even if you don’t buy on the spot.
But You’ve Gotta Act Fast…
Helping you love your home, Yankee Home
“Three years later, the brand new shower has been the greatest improvement in our house that we’ve ever done. Every day we say this was the best thing we did in our house. Totally worth the money! We’ve had a few things come up, and the service after the sale was superior!” -John & Debbie
But don’t wait—these savings disappear December 31st. Get ahead of the holiday rush today.
We’re heading into the final stretch of the year, and everyone wants their remodel done before the holidays or at least locked in before 2026 price hikes hit.
“Three years later, the brand new shower has been the greatest improvement in our house that we’ve ever done. Every day we say this was the best thing we did in our house. Totally worth the money! We’ve had a few things come up, and the service after the sale was superior!” -John & Debbie
You’ll get:
That means our installation schedule is tightening up by the hour. Once we’re full, that’s it. You’ll be bumped into next year—and pay more for the same job.
• Don a mask: Consider wearing an N95 mask to protect the nose and throat from airborne fungi and fumes from cleaning agents.
• Avoid running fans, which can spread the mold around.
Once you’re suited up, follow these steps:
• Prepare a cleaning solution. Mix a cleaning solution of soap and water, or vinegar and water, in a spray bottle. Fill a separate spray bottle, or
a bowl or bucket, with clean water for rinsing.
• Apply the cleaning solution. Spray the mold with the cleaning solution, and use a cleaning cloth or scrub brush to remove the fungal growth. Repeat as necessary until the visible mold is removed, switching to a clean cloth if the one you’re using becomes heavily soiled.
• Rinse. Rinse the surface well with clean water, and allow it to air dry.
• Clean up. Once the surface is dry, use a HEPA vacuum to go over the area to remove any remaining
spores. Empty the vacuum directly into a trash bag, tie it tightly and dispose of it immediately. Launder any cleaning cloths using the sanitizing washer cycle in a separate load to prevent cross-contamination.
How can I prevent mold and mildew?
• Keep up regular cleaning and home maintenance. Huntley advises immediately fixing any water leaks or cleaning spilled water.
• Monitor humidity levels. A hygrometer is an inexpensive tool that measures humidity levels in the home,
allowing you to monitor and maintain healthy indoor air.
• Use dehumidifiers and desiccants. If your home’s RH is above 50 percent, use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air. In small spaces, or spaces without electrical outlets, desiccants like DampRid and plants that absorb humidity, like peace lilies, spider plants and Boston ferns, can help to control RH.
• Improve air flow. “Improving air flow through your home also helps control moisture levels,” Carver says. She says that simple
acts like opening windows and running exhaust fans that vent outdoors will help to keep air flowing through your home.
• Choose spore-trapping filters. Homes that have central air conditioning should use filters with the Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly designation that can trap mold spores. “You can also use a freestanding air cleaner in rooms with poorer air quality,” Carver says, “just be aware these only filter air in a limited area based on the device’s capacity and the room size.”
Here’s how to position your shower curtain to reduce mold risk
By L indsey B ever
The Washington Post
THE QUESTION: SHOULD YOU keep your shower curtain open or closed to help prevent mold?
The science: After a bath or shower, you probably don’t think much about the shower curtain. You may wipe the condensation from the mirror, brush your teeth and dart out the door. But the decision to leave the curtain open or closed may matter as part of a larger effort to dry out your bathroom and prevent mold growth.
Our homes have a rich microbiome consisting of bacteria, viruses and fungi that can come from the outdoor air, our shoes and pets — and most of them don’t pose a serious threat to us, said Karen Dannemiller, an associate professor of civil, environmental and geodetic engineering at Ohio State University, where she directs the indoor environmental quality research group.
“Where you get into trouble is when you start to have fungal growth, or mold, that you start seeing or smelling in your home,” she said.
When bathroom moisture poses a problem
Mold can cause various health issues, including allergy symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing or itchy eyes; attacks in those with asthma; or an immune-mediated lung condition that can cause coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue, among other symptoms, in people with immune system issues or preexisting lung problems.
Indoor mold growth indicates that there is a problem with moisture or water and should be addressed immediately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Stretch the curtain to allow it to dry out but leave about six inches of space on either side so air can flow between the shower and the rest of the bathroom. (ADOBE STOCK IMAGE)
Relative humidity — the amount of water vapor in the air compared with the amount it can hold — should be between 30 and 50 percent for our comfort and overall health, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Too far above that, and mold can begin to grow.
This is especially a concern in bathrooms where water and humid air, under certain circumstances, can linger. Moisture on some bathroom surfaces can, for hours, stay at a level that may lead to mold growth, Dannemiller said.
How to prevent mold in the bathroom
Here are some general guidelines to prevent mold:
• Reduce the amount of water on bathroom surfaces after a bath or shower, said William Nazaroff, a professor emeritus of civil and environmental engineering the University of California
at Berkeley. Use a squeegee to get water off the shower walls and into the drain or a washcloth to dry off the shower surfaces, he suggested. Removing water from surfaces means it doesn’t have to be eliminated through evaporation and ventilation, which is the only other way, he said.
• Control moisture in the air through adequate ventilation. Open a window or turn on an exhaust fan that vents outside and leave it running during and after showering until the condensation on the bathroom mirror clears. This will help remove water that is in the vapor phase, Nazaroff said.
• Stretch the curtain to allow it to dry out but leave about six inches of space on either side so air can flow between the shower and the rest of the bathroom, Nazaroff said. If you have a shower door, leave it cracked, he said. If you scrunch up the curtain after a shower, “it will stay wet long enough to create a risk of mold even if everything else has dried off nicely,” he said.
“What we’re trying to do is reduce that timescale for the bathroom to completely dry from many hours to an hour or so,” Nazaroff said.
What else you should know
There are other things you can do to reduce moisture and remove mold.
• Leave the bathroom door open after a bath or shower to increase airflow and speed up the drying process. Humid air from the bathroom is unlikely to pose a humidity problem to the rest of your home because the air outside the bathroom is usually dry enough to accommodate it — unless humidity levels are already high or the bathroom opens into a small, contained space such as a basement, said Mikhail Sogonov, an indoor
mold inspector. In rare cases, bathroom humidity may pose a threat to other parts of your home if, for instance, your bathroom exhaust fan was installed incorrectly, venting into the attic instead of outside, Sogonov said. “That can create humidity — and eventually mold — problems in the attic,” he said.
• If humidity is a concern, you can buy a humidity meter, also known as a hygrometer, which is a relatively inexpensive way (you can often buy one for less than $10) to monitor the levels in different rooms. And if you consistently see readings above the recommended threshold of 50 percent, consider a dehumidifier, which pulls in the moist air, passes it over cold condenser coils to remove moisture and blows out drier, warmer air into the room.
• If you find visible mold in your home, you can clean it up yourself if the area is less than 10 square feet, such as a 3-foot by 3-foot patch of wall, but abide by the EPA’s remediation standards such as wearing a respirator, gloves and goggles to protect yourself from exposure; scrubbing off mold on hard surfaces; and potentially throwing away porous materials. If the area is larger than that or if there are health concerns, call a professional mold remediator, experts said.
The bottom line
Leaving the shower curtain or shower door cracked after a bath or shower increases airflow and speeds up drying time. Also, reducing surface water and ensuring there is adequate ventilation helps minimize and remove moisture from the air in the bathroom.
Karen Dannemiller is an associate professor at Ohio State University.
Terry & Kim Kovel | Antiques & Collecting
Menorah beautifully captures a sense of movement
MOST FAMILIES PUT THEIR own unique spins on holiday traditions and see them evolve over time. Similarly, modern artists bring their own artistic styles and contemporary trends to traditional holiday decorations. Hanukkah menorahs are fantastic examples. Throughout the 20th century, many prominent sculptors and designers created menorahs that fit with popular art movements, such as brutalism or mid-century modern design, or that reflected their personal styles.
This enormous wrought-iron menorah, which stands more than 42 inches tall, was designed by Judith Brown in 1979 and recently sold for $1,800 at Auctions at Showplace. The nine narrow branches, one for each of the eight nights and one for the shamash (“helper”) candle to light the others, are nearly hidden by the swirling lines and shapes that suggest stylized vines, flowers, and leaves. Brown (19321992) was a dancer before becoming a sculptor, and her sense of movement carried through to her monumental metalworks.
With each night of Hanukkah, the flickering candlelight may enhance the effect of this menorah. The twining lines and twisting shapes make the limbs and vines seem to twist, the leaves flutter, and the flowers sway, even as they stand perfectly still. Brown was also known for sculptures of horses, draped human figures that appeared to be in motion, and abstract figures. Another famous sculpture of hers is a Noah’s ark that seems to balance precariously on its base, as if tossed by ocean waves.
Q. My wife inherited her grandmother’s fine china. It is the Rose Garden pattern by Empress China from Japan, and the mark on the back has the number “920.” I cannot find any information on the 920 style. We would like more information on our china set and would love to have the teapot for the collection. Can you tell us where to find more information about the pattern and where we can get more pieces?
A. Empress China is often listed as “Empress (Japan)” to distinguish it from the many other companies that used “Empress” as a brand or pattern name. It was sold by the Charles Sadek Import Company, which was founded in 1936. To find your teapot, you may
Happy Hanukkah! Many modern artists have designed beautiful, unique menorahs, like this wrought-iron masterpiece by sculptor Judith Brown. (PHOTO COURTESY AUCTIONS AT SHOWPLACE, NYC)
want to contact a pattern-matching service like Replacements, Ltd., Classic Replacements, or Missing Pieces. Even if they do not have the item, you need in stock, they may have further information. Of course, you can also search online on sites like eBay and Etsy. If you use social media, buy/sell groups, especially if they focus on antiques or tableware, or dinnerware collectors’ groups, may be able to help you.
Q. I got an interesting-looking wooden bingo tumbler at an estate sale. There is a solid wood centerpiece shaped like an urn between two posts. The wood is dark, probably mahogany. When you push a brass lever, the center piece turns and dispenses a bingo ball. Do you know how old this bingo tumbler is and what it might be worth?
A. Bingo tumblers like yours were made in the Victorian period, or midto late-19th century. Dark woods, especially mahogany, were favored for furniture and decorative arts at the time. However, bingo was not popular-
ized in the U.S. until the 1920s. While your tumbler can definitely be used for bingo, it might be more accurate to call it a lotto or lottery tumbler. Bingo is derived from the game of lotto, which has been played in Europe since at least the 1500s. Your tumbler could also be used for lottery drawings or many other games of chance, which have existed well before Victorian times. Similar antique tumblers have sold at auctions for about $150.
TIP: To remove wax from a Hanukkah menorah or another candleholder with small candle cups, run hot water in the holes or use a hair dryer to warm the metal, then remove the wax with cotton swabs.
Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures: the object and a close-up of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel prod-
CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
Judaica, dreidel, wood, carved, inlaid brass letters, 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, $40.
Silver plate, coffeepot, lid, scrolled handle, on stand, tilting, top handle, pierced supports, round base, raised flowers and leaves, four-footed, quadruple plated, Meriden, 21 inches, $65.
Inkwell, bronze, urn shape, lid, flower finial, raised Chinoiserie band, mask and ring handles, square undertray, scalloped corners, four shaped feet, Continental, c. 1900, 5 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches, $95.
Lladro, figurine, Hanukkah Lights, young boy, lying down, spotted dog, sitting, blue menorah on small table, lit candle, marked, Francisco Polope, 4 1/2 inches, $100.
Teddy bear, mohair, golden brown, glass eyes, stitched nose, jointed arms and legs, 1920s, 17 inches, $125.
Compact, enamel, picnic scene, man, woman, child, in garden, shaped rim, interior mirror, chain, silver tone, marked, Alpacca, Continental, 20th century, 2 1/2 x 3 inches, $350.
Furniture, stand, Hepplewhite, mahogany, overhanging top, shaped, drawer, brass knob, tapered legs, bellflower inlay, 28 1/2 x 22 inches, $430.
Pairpoint, lamp, electric, Arts & Crafts, cone shape shade, mica panels, four-pillar stand, round base, etched flowers and leaves, four-footed, marked, 21 inches, $1,140.
Textile, tapestry, silk, pictorial, elephant, two figures, red ground, flowers, trees, clouds, brocade border, 1800s, Chinese, 90 x 85 inches, $1,500.
Jewelry, belt, concho, turquoise, alternating rounds and partial rounds, silver, black leather, Navajo, Larry Moses Begay, 36 inches, $2,375
uct. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, The Republican, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.
Average US long-term mortgage rate ticks up to 6.22%
Rate remains close to its low for the year
By A lex Veiga Associated Press
The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage edged higher this week, though it remains relatively near its low point so far this year.
The uptick brings the average longterm mortgage rate to 6.22% from 6.19% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.6%.
Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home
Deeds
AGAWAM
716 Spring Valley LLC, to J & J Brothers Realtors LLC, 61-63 Orlando St., $487,000.
George J. Lanides, Gregory A. Lanides and Victoria Lanides to Amy Jean Bolduc, 25 Castle Hills Road Unit F, $372,000.
Gerald Drewnowski, estate, to Eduard Suprunets, 25 Hillcrest St., $350,000.
Isaiah Pagan to Travis Vaz, 48-50 South Westfield St., $495,000.
Laura L. Albano to Michael C. Buoniconti and Jessica Garcia, 49 Hearthstone Drive, $604,000.
Richard M. Russo and Lisa M. Russo to Marcin Kosinski and Estate Whiz LLC, 253 Regency Park Drive, $160,000.
AMHERST
Dana P. Whitney, personal representative, and Lawrence C. Birkholz, estate, John Zapetis and James A. Wesoloski, 24 Greenleaves Drive, $260,000.
Amhad Development Corp., to Daniel S. Levine, 28 Greenleaves Drive, $298,000.
Susan P. Marcus, trustee, Susan P. Marcus Revocable Trust, Stephen B. Marcus, trustee, and Stephen B. Marcus Revocable Trust to Gabriel Passamani Andrade and Amy Andrade, 11 Dayton Lane, $950,000.
BELCHERTOWN
Apex Holdings Consulting LLC, trustee, and MK Trust to Greyson Mish and Thaddeus Mish, 47
loans, also rose this week. The rate averaged 5.54%, up from 5.44% last week. A year ago, it averaged 5.84%, Freddie Mac said.
Mortgage rates are influenced by several factors, from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy decisions to bond market investors’ expectations for the economy and inflation. They generally follow the trajectory of the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans.
The 10-year yield was at 4.12% at midday Thursday, slightly higher than it was a week ago.
The rise in mortgage rates comes a day after the Federal Reserve cut its
Daniel Square, $390,000.
Marian A. Panto to Marian A. Panto, trustee, and Marian A. Panto Revocable Trust, 74 Federal St., $100.
BLANDFORD
U S A Housing & Urban Development, to Scott R. Thomas and Margaret E. O’Connor, 9 Woronoco Road, $169,000.
BRIMFIELD
Bernard C. Dupuis, representative, Taylor Dupuis, representative, Bernard L. Dupuis, estate, and Bernard Lucius Dupuis, estate, to Jeffrey Ronald Blais and Diane Blais, 18 Little Alum Road, $320,000.
Judith A. Nivers to Julie Langlitz and Cody Langlitz, 122 Little Alum Road, $280,000.
CHESTER
John J. Pommenville Sr., and Maryse C. Pommenville to John P. Sullivan III, 120 Fisk Road, $380,000.
CHESTERFIELD
Aldryth S. Bedner to Nicole Marie Miller, 31 Farmhouse Road, $300,000.
CHICOPEE
David L. Bliss and Donna A. Bliss to Joshua Dumond, 45 Doverbrook Road, #45, $190,900. Ernest F. Aubuchon, representative, and Roger E. Aubuchon, estate, to Saddam Al Akraa and Alyaa Hadi Saleh, 49 Bennett St., $203,000.
main interest rate for the third time this year and indicated another cut may be ahead in 2026.
The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, so even when it cuts its short-term rates that doesn’t necessarily mean rates on home loans will necessarily decline.
That’s what happened last fall after the central bank cut its main rate for the first time in more than four years. Instead of falling, mortgage rates marched higher, eventually cresting above 7% in January this year. At that time, the 10-year Treasury yield was climbing toward 5%.
Mortgage rates began declining this summer ahead of the central
Mei-Juan Wu and Yao-Zong Chen to Natalie M. Cabrera Acevedo, 161 Columba St., $303,000.
COLRAIN
Donna L. James and Gary M. James to Amber Nault, 21 River St., $247,750.
DEERFIELD
James J. Savage and Joseph F. Savage Jr., personal representatives of the Estate of Alice B. Savage, to Gabriela Aguilera Cano and Efren Olvera, 40 Eastern Ave., $439,000.
EAST LONGMEADOW
Monique L. LaPlante and Monique L. Moses to Kenneth Hofer and Sarah O’Keefe, 603 Parker St., $440,000.
Ryan Suprin, trustee, and Ryan Suprin Living Trust, trustee of, to Brenda Lee Baez Colon, 41 Villanova St., $275,000.
Taylor Durost, Marisa Sevigny and Marissa Sevigny to Yolanda Hosey, 157 Dwight Road, $290,000.
EASTHAMPTON
Susan I. Jalbert, personal representative, Raymond Howard Spaulding, estate, and Raymond H. Spaulding, estate, to Jennifer Burwell, 41 South St., $222,000. NTI LLC, to Easthampton Mahadev LLC, 117-119 Union St., $690,000.
ERVING
David C. Brooks, trustee of the Freedom Hill Realty Trust #I, to
bank’s September rate cut, its first in a year. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage got as low as 6.17%, the lowest level in more than a year, on Oct. 30.
That pullback in rates helped lift sales of previously occupied U.S. homes in October on an annual basis for the fourth straight month. Still, affordability remains a challenge for many aspiring homeowners, especially first-time buyers who don’t have equity from an existing home to put toward a new home purchase. Uncertainty over the economy and job market are also keeping many would-be buyers on the sidelines.
Sloane Gannon, “aka” Sloane Volpe, 12 Flagg Hill Road, $150,000.
GOSHEN
Sandra L. Lavoie to Francis D. Judd and Linda S. Judd, Old Lilly Pond Road, $15,000.
James C. Vogel to James C. Vogel, trustee, and James C. Vogel Revocable Trust, 257 Old Goshen Road, $100.
GRANBY
Brian Miller to Yanina Rivas Paredes and Joshua Colwell, 4 Granby Heights, $210,000.
GREENFIELD
Allen L. Constantine Jr., and Sharon Ann Constantine to Clinical & Support Options Inc., 116 Chapman St., $450,000.
Janet Priscantelli, “aka” Janet Shaughnessy, Richard Shaughnessy and Gail Tease, “fka” Gail Shaughnessy, trustees of the Jane L. Shaughnessy Irrevocable Real Estate Trust, to Inge Breor and James Emerson, 14 Warner St., $316,000.
Greenfield Center School Inc., to Sarah Buck, 743 Bernardston Road, $330,000.
Elinor Jamay Albin and Henry David Albin to Robert North Louis, 8-10 Western Ave., $299,000.
Sara Spooner as Conservator of Julia Burrough, “aka” Julia J. Burrough, to Michael J. Sprague, 185 Davis St., $220,000.
Andrea Guerron to Plumtree Real Estate LLC, 86-88 Conway St., $156,900.
HADLEY
Gilbert J. Harrison, trustee, Linda J. Harrison, trustee, Harrison Joint Revocable Trust, Linda J. Harrison and Linda J. Korpita to Mark Burton, 256 River Drive, $362,500.
HATFIELD
Timothy J. Carroll, trustee, Veronica Carroll, trustee, Carrol Family Trust, Carroll Family Trust and Veronica Carroll, attorney-in-fact, to Veronica Carroll, 8 Plantation Road, $100.
Jean Pierre Crevier and Kate P. Crevier to Katherine Markelz and Stephen Pelhan, 72 Elm St., $510,000.
Elizabeth L. Kotch to BHO Realty LLC, 57 Elm St., $405,500.
HOLLAND
David R. Chenevert and Beth M. Chenevert to Lisa Chickering and Glen Hammond, 15 Williams Road, $200,000.
HOLYOKE
Amanda Gordon to Nicholas Barry, 16 Maple Crest Circle, Unit 16B, $230,000.
Carol A. Manijak to Alex Brennan, 351 Apremont Highway, $250,000. CFC Development LLC, and Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC, to Bibiana P. Berrio Alvarez, 246 East Dwight St., $390,000. Chenevert Properties LLC, to Novac Holdings LLC, 270 Walnut St., $100. Edward Olender Jr., representative, and Richard D. Olender, estate, to Nicholas Boccio, trustee, and Boccio Realty Trust, trustee of, 17 Maple Crest Circle, Unit 17E, $135,000.
Deeds
Hassle Free LLC, to Digna R. Melendez, 70-72 Center St., $405,000.
Shawn M. O’Donnell, Valerie Marie Garcia and Valarie Marie Garcia to Chris J. Aquino Ortiz, 244 Ontario Ave., $375,000.
Veteran Stan LLC, to Samuel Ortiz Torres and Bryan S. Ortiz Caraballo, 397 Apremont Highway, $330,000.
HUNTINGTON
Frank J. Korfias, personal representative, Gary B. Rom, estate, Gary Rom, estate, Evelyn I. Korfias, estate, and Evelyn Korfias, estate, to Peter Campbell and Andrea McKittrick, 21 Russell Road, $50,000.
Nick Toroni and Angelique F. Toroni to Ana Sandman and Michael Palumbo, 8 Basket St., $250,000.
LEVERETT
Anna Maria Scheffey, Elizabeth W. Scheffey, “aka” Elizabeth W. Scheffey-Neff, and Heston C. Scheffey to Andrew K. McCallum, trustee of the Alice & Andrew Scheffey Memorial Conservation Trust, Broad Hill Road, $262,000.
LONGMEADOW
Springfield Jewish Community Center Inc., to Dnepro Properties LLC, Eunice Drive, $200,000.
Jacqueline A. Barry and Jacqueline B. Barry to Ahmad Sultan, 408 Maple Road, $400,000.
Robert E. Barkett and Tracy A. Barkett to Heidi B. Johnes, 35 Plymouth Road, $535,000.
LUDLOW
Alexis A. Majka to Dennis Fountain and Linda Fountain, 74 Ray St., $459,900.
Bryan P. Cohen and Elizabeth Dora Cohen to Michael S. Modzelewski, 147 Kendall St., $307,500.
Jeannine Bourdeau, representative, and William Leab Jr., estate, to Michael Plante and Nicole McCarthy, 50 Poole St., $367,500.
Maria F. Gomes to Steven Ortiz and Maria P. Ortiz, 105 Higher Brook Drive, $580,000.
Patrick Hurtado and Kimberly A. Hurtado to Jennyliz Solis-Gonzalez, 72 Highland Ave., $252,500.
Peter J. Ouimette and Kerry A. Ouimette to Anna Hurley and Benjamin J. Taylor, 19 Essex St., $275,000.
Sodi Inc., to Todd Michael Paradis and Linda Ann Paradis, Santina Drive, Lot 2, $140,000.
MONSON
Shelby Coolidge and Ryan Coolidge to Jesse Griswold and Brianna Hill, 9 Silva
St., $275,000.
MONTAGUE
Henry A. Brown to Iris Hernandez Gonzalez and Jose R. Solorin. 187-189 L St., $379,000.
Nicole Gochinski and Steven S. Gochinski to Stephanie French ad James Zellmann. 43 Hillside Road. $365,000.
MONTGOMERY
Sheila F. Stopa and Larry D. Stopa to Heather R. Haskins and Xavier W. Haskins, 293 Main Road, $250,000.
NORTHAMPTON
Fred W. Gohr Jr., and Jai Marla Gohr to David Grogan and Kate Ledogar, 50 Walnut St., $610,000.
Lorna Ximena Aristizabal Clavijo and Alenjandro Galindo Castro to Stephen N. Thomas and Karen Economopoulos, 167 South St., $235,000.
Jill A. Griffin and Kimberly R. Lucey to Ruth Pryor, 16 Taylor St., $575,000.
Richard Lavallee, trustee, Catherine A. Walmsley, trustee, and Richard Lavallee Living Trust to Patricia C. Marshall, 4 Gleason Road, $406,000.
Erin J. Kuehn to Ananda Deva Nussbaum DiMartino, trustee, and Revocable Trust of Ananda Deva Nussbaum DiMartino, 1007 Westhampton Road, $385,500.
NORTHFIELD
Martha E. Stinson to Oleg Cobileanschi and Teagan Cobileanschi, South Mountain Road, $150,000.
ORANGE
Paige Larrabee and Jonathan Spagnola to Bradley Michael Magane and Taylor Iola Magane, 31 Benham St., $310,000.
Deborah Rowe and Judith D. Rowe to Cole Everett Gustafson and Gina M. Gustafson, 98 & 102 New Athol Road, $275,000.
David A. Millett and John A. Millett to ASC Enterprises Inc., 29 Terrace St., $166,000. Cornerstone Homebuying LLC, to Silas Galdamez, 295 South Main St., $310,000.
PALMER
Linda S. Fountain and Dennis Fountain to Matthew White, 7 Ruggles Court, $330,000.
Michael Handzel, conservator, and Stephanie P. Handzel to Peter Walsh, 4 Salem St., $215,000.
Mitchell Garabedian 2023 Trust, trustee of, and Karen M. Baglio, trustee, to Ralph W. Swanson and Gyongyi Swanson, 7 Cedar Hill St., $428,000.
PELHAM
John Mancini and Shannon L. Mancini to Raymond A. Orr and Yancey Orr, 60 Daniel Shays Highway, $735,000.
John W. Hibbard Jr., and Melissa Hibbard to Ryan Rueckert, 2 Gulf Road, $458,000.
RUSSELL
Carmelo A. Scuderi and Patricia A. Scuderi to George Wells and Mayra A. Wells, 155 Woodland Way, $643,000.
SHUTESBURY
Alan Stone and Shawn Stone to FASM Homes LLC, 258 Pelham Hill Road, $225,000.
SOUTH HADLEY
Brian Krok to Diego Antonio Arrieta and Alicia Moncayo, 63 Washington Ave., $410,000.
Peter J. Jasinski, trustee, and Jasinski Irrevocable Trust to Dawn Rice, 41 W. Summit St., and 41 West Summit St., $185,000.
Kathleen Harrop, trustee, and Josephine J. Szewczyk Trust to LCR Builders LLC, 134 Ferry St., $305,000.
SOUTHWICK
Alexander E. Horwatt, representative, Joseph John Horwatt Jr., estate, Joseph J. Horwatt Jr., estate, and Joseph John Horwatt, estate, to Laurence Joseph Cohen and Brenda Cohen, 21 Grove St., $390,000.
Alexander E. Horwatt, representative, Joseph John Horwatt Jr., estate, Joseph J. Horwatt Jr., estate, Joseph John Horwatt, estate, and Alexander Horwatt to Donald E. Coffin and Shirley M. Coffin, 139 Point Grove Road, $75,000.
Hamelin Framing Inc., to Madhav Chittimalla and Riddhima Vishwas Naik, 14 Silvergrass Lane, $720,000.
Maureen A. Quinn-Sheehan to Laura Albano, 42 Rosewood Lane, Unit D-6, $264,000.
SPRINGFIELD
Adam Lunghi to Marie Perry, 95 Weaver Road, $259,000.
Adrian A. Joseph, Barbara J. Collins and Jocelyn R. Pitts to Johnathan Vega and Sarai Garcia, 260 Hermitage Drive, $355,000.
Arie Wynter and Arie Myrmo to Reyna J. Bautista and Santas Velasquez, 196 Forest Park Ave., $415,000.
Ariel Bermudez and Joyce T. Ramos to Latanya S. Odom and Alahdanee Monise Lynn Colson-Odom, 21 Herman St., $270,000.
Bank of New York Mellon, trustee, and 2005-HEI Asset Backed Funding Corp Series, trustee of, to Marsha Xia Qian, 40 Beech St., $109,700.
Bretta Construction LLC, to Michael Gilbert, 49 Hatch St., $280,000.
Brick By Brick Acquisitions LLC, to Zachary Palizza, 163 Thompson St., $337,000.
Cedar Investment Group LLC, to Diana Rivera Rosado and Victor Rafael Quiles Jr., 941 Allen St., $449,000.
Cig4 LLC, to Excellent Protection Services LLC, 7-9 Glendell Terrace, $330,000.
Daniel Garcia to Vazul Washington and Rick Washington, 33 Forest St., $235,000.
Delia I. Pinero and James Smith to Joseph Olayiwola and Stella Olayiwola, 90 Lorenzo St., $285,000.
Douglas Dichard to Virgen Irizarry and Jose Zavala, 82 Wallace St., $290,000.
Eileen E. Govine, estate, Michael J. Govine, representative, and Ann M. Pacileo to J & R Homes Corp., 11 Fernwold St., $209,000. Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Anthony C. Capuano, 45 Morris St., Unit 106, $206,000.
George S. Gitberg to Value Properties LLC, 242-244 Commonwealth Ave., $170,000.
Geraldine Calento, representative, and Elaine V. Manseau, estate, to James Fiore, trustee, and James Fiore Revocable Indenture of Trust, trustee of, 71 Nassau Drive, $157,000.
Judith A. Worrall to Hassle Free LLC, 51 Hartford Terrace, $170,000.
Maria Santiago and Zujeili Cora to Denice A. Masqui Vera, 65-67 Shamrock St., $391,000.
Mary A. Chiecko, Brian E. Coleman and David M. Coleman to MNJ LLC, 320 Tremont St., $203,500.
Mary G. Katsounakis to Nolan Andrews, 254 Redlands St., $333,000.
Methuselah Realty Trust, trustee of, and Dominic Kirchner II, trustee, to Bryan Hernandez-Ramirez and Alicia Fonseca, 32-34 Somerset St., $490,000.
NRES LLC, to Sean Curtis, 23 Corona St., $335,000.
Pah De3 LLC, to James Goda, 53-55 Andrew St., $400,000.
Portia Asomani to Awuraposh Limited Liability Co. LLC, 176-178 Corthell St., $100. Reymer Perez Jimenez to Isaiah Holloway Sr., 28-30 Aster St., $340,000.
Robert Monegro to Francois P. Cherduville, 68 Waverly St., $441,000.
Rosa Espinosa, trustee, and KB Realty Trust, trustee of, to Pro Reforms Inc., 172174 Euclid Ave., $240,000.
TL Bretta Realty LLC, to Matthew Clifford Starbard, 76 Kent Road, $206,000.
USA Alpha Capital LLC, to Anfernee Malone, 184-186 Marion St., $485,000.
Victor M. Medina Bernal and Victor M. Medina to Medina Housing LLC, 52 Calhoun St., $100.
Victor Medina Bernal and Victor M. Medina to Medina Housing LLC, 112 Stockman St., $100.
Victor W. Bouchard Jr., and Judith L. Inhof to Miguel A. Santiago Rodriguez and Johanesis M. Santiago, 70 Eddy St., $270,000.
Wanda Quinones and Wanda Quinonez to Wilson A. Rosario, 122-124 Mooreland St., $410,000.
Wesley Eugene Baalman and Gretchen Baalman to Barrie Joy Krumholz, 382 North Brook Road, $360,000.
William J. Jamieson to Sandino Cora, 15 Holy Cross St., $310,000.
Deeds
TOLLAND
William Magni Jr., and Nichol Magni to David Walker and Connie Walker, 33 West Granville Road, $230,000.
WALES
Patricia McKee and Patricia L. McKee to Pamela Werther, 7 Bayside Drive, $60,000.
WARE
Sarah Adele Knowlton to Noah J. Molino, Osborne Road, $49,000.
WENDELL
Helena Drowski, trustee of the Drowski Investment Trust, to Carol E. Jud, 151 Mormon Hollow Road, $515,000.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Anthony D. Cortis and Meagan Cortis to Caleb Desouza and Yvonne Desouza, 53 Druids Lane, $390,000.
Bonnie L. Morris, estate, and Shelly Morris, representative, to Robert W. Pilletere, 59 Beech Hill Road, Unit 44, $460,000.
Daniel D. Parker and Chelsea S. Parker to Francis Odafe and Nosakhare EvbenayeOdafe, 73 Maple Terrace, $325,000.
H P Rum LLC, to Matthew Smialek and Ciara Romano, 114 Connecticut Ave., $284,000.
Jash B. Baniya and Juli Baniya to Krishna Kharel and Madhu Kharel, 25 Chapin St., $305,000.
JW Real Estate Holdings LLC, to BDJ Holdings LLC, 19 Norman St., $535,000.
Nicholas H. Lapalme and Carly Camossi-Lapalme, spouse, to Sean P. O’Brien and Debra L. O’Brien, 1362 Morgan Road, $610,000.
Nicolle B. Serafino and Gary D. Megliola to
Angelica Properties LLC, 9 Colony Road, $145,000.
Sean P. O’Brien and Debra L. O’Brien to Victor Richey, 54 Churchill Road, $411,000.
Veteran Stan LLC, to Chelsea S. Parker, 32 Lotus Ave., $339,900.
WESTFIELD
Darnel Alouidor, trustee, and Darnel Alouidor Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Jacob Tompkins, 94 Pineridge Drive, $470,000.
Jan S. Marvonek and Laura L. Marvonek to Tyler Beach and Katherine Ann Colapietro, 36 Susan Drive, $431,000.
Robert A. Bennett and Susan R. Bennett to Vantage Home Buyers LLC, Noble Street, $257,000.
Seamus Moran, representative, and Pauline Moran, estate, to Shi Quan Wu and Yanxu Su, 64 Hillcrest Circle, $550,000.
Shelly A. Fisher to K&R Real-estate Solutions LLC, 48 East Silver St., Suite 3, $75,500.
Vladislav Biley and Yana Biley to Tanya
Anglin, 82 South Maple St., Unit 43, $199,900.
WESTHAMPTON
Richard Murgo to Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc., 1804 Tob Hill Road, $505,000.
Lawrence C. O’Connor, trustee, and Charles R. O’Connor Jr. Family Nominee Trust to Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc., Tob Road, $400,000.
WILBRAHAM
Henry Calabrese, Edward Calabrese, Louis Calabrese and Karl Calabrese to Eric D. Devine, 106V Manchonis Road, $6,500.
WILLIAMSBURG
Lawrence C. O’Connor, trustee, and Charles R. O’Connor Jr. Family Nominee Trust to Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc., 32 Ashfield Road and 58 Ashfield Road, $200,000.
Magnolias still have their fruits, which look like little pineapples with red seeds popping out. And it’s within the rules of the game to look on the ground for help in naming a tree. There, you’ll still find some nuts of the shagbark hickory, identified also by its shaggy bark, and oak acorns. Then the game gets interesting, as I try to narrow down which of the 400 species (200 native to North America) dropped that acorn. Some websites (e.g. Wikihow) hold my hand along this path. Knowing most of the native and frequently planted species lets me narrow those choices from the get-go.
No obvious fruits or thorns, so still at a loss for a tree’s identity? The taste of a twig sometimes is the giveaway. Black cherry tastes like bitter almond, and yellow and river birch taste like wintergreen. Paper birch twigs are tasteless. Slippery elm twigs become mucilaginous when chewed.
My favorite winter tree feature, for identification and for beauty, is bark. And some are as obvious as paper birch. Shagbark hickory is as
easy to pick out from a forest of trees as is paper birch. Many others are similarly obvious. American hornbeam has smooth, bluegrey bark with ripples like muscle, which gives the tree
one of its common names, muscle wood. Flowering dogwood’s bark is made up of small, squarish blocks. American persimmon has similar looking bark, except the blocks are larger and
more raised, resembling alligator skin (but not frightening). Continuing in the zoological vein is beech, whose smooth, brawny trunk and limbs look like they could belong to a mythological elephant.
Many maple species can be honed down by their distinctive bark. A bark that makes the trunk look like it’s been wrapped in buffed copper that curls away in fine curls is just like hanging a sign on the plant that says, “paperbark maple.” Sugar maple bark has grayish, vertical strips that, with age, becomes more furrowed and the strips start to detach. Large limbs attach to the trunk with distinctive furls.
My favorite of all tree barks belongs to hackberry. I planted a couple of these trees just so I could enjoy their bark in winter. The smooth background of the gray bark is broken up by corky warts and ridges that play with shadow and light in a way that evokes the crisp, achromatic photographs of craters on the lunar landscape.
All this only scratches the surface of details that we tend to overlook in spring, summer, and fall. Some of these details are interesting, some have a subtle beauty,
and some are useful only for identification.
As far as the identification game, there is one more very useful identifier. Deciduous trees are supposed to be leafless now. It’s not cheating to cast your eyes down for a leaf that may have dropped from the tree in question. A few leaves may even hang on into winter. They will be dead, dry, and twisted, but often still “readable.”
Not only that, but oaks and beeches are so reluctant to lose their lower leaves that you can spot these species even at some distance by their skirt of retained, dry leaves.
(An additional hardcopy resource for tree identification is “The Sibley Field Guide to Trees” by David Allen Sibley.)
Hackberry bark won’t stop traffic but stop and take a look its play of shadow and light to appreciate it in winter. (LEE REICH PHOTO)
THE ESTATE COLLECTION OF AMERICAN ARTIST
JACK PAUL MAROON
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 AT 6 PM
FEATURING 800+ PAINTINGS, WATERCOLORS AND DRAWINGS
Subjects represented in the collection include: Corners of New York City; Theatres; New York City Night Life; Travels in Japan, Europe, and the Islands; Houses of Longmeadow, MA; Wallpaper Designs (including commissions for Queen Elizabeth); Fashions; Broadway; Paris and London; as well as extensive artist archive materials, journals, and sketchbooks.
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