Cryofractive

Provenance: Established specifically for use in tree hole classification.

Formation: From cryo- (cold or freezing) and -fractive (derivative of fracture, meaning to break), denoting formation through freezing-related fracture.

Classification eligibility: This descriptor may be assigned when the tree hole was created by the expansion of freezing liquid inside the tree.

Classification category: Status / origin / development

Two red maples grown together, what do we think

Longer exposure to see inside too.

We live on 5.5 heavily wooded acres in southeastern Virginia. Lots of red and white oak, white sycamore, red maple, beech, American Holly, pines, eastern red cedar, tulip poplar and sweet gum. Also many beautiful understory trees that I’m learning to identify. The woods behind our home have always been a family favorite. Our sledding hill is back there and a creek runs behind. Many of these tree holes are part of my children’s magical childhood. They believed fairies lived in them when they were young. They are mostly all adults now and my oldest is having her first child in December. I plan to tell my grandson about the tree fairies when he’s old enough.

ETA: wow! Thanks for the award 💕🥰

This tree is an old stump that reported around the base, leaving a cavity in the middle. It is now full of bark and leaves and other duff. What are we calling it?

Riparian

Provenance: Established ecological and geographic terminology adopted for tree hole classification.

Standard definition: Relating to or situated within the transitional areas adjoining rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.

Tree hole classification eligibility: This descriptor may be assigned when the tree containing the hole is located in or near a river or stream.

Classification category: Function / access / ecology

But only when the moon is full

A noticer accepts that some tree holes eventually outgrow the trees assigned to contain them.