The Live Oak in the South

Oak Alley Plantation with oak lined pathway

We in the south love our Live Oaks.  They are as much a part of our landscape as a home itself.  There is a tradition of sorts that follows the planting of them in our yards.

Many of them were planted in the 17 and 1800s.  I read somewhere where the tradition of lining one's driveway with them had a purpose.  I just thought they did it for the beauty of it and have always loved them.  The reason was that these grand trees are very thirsty and would keep the driveways drier for easier transportation whatever the means of travel.  Did you know that?

I found in reading further that Napoleon installed thousands of Platanus along French roads for his soldiers to have shade but he did the same in Russia to soak up the snow.  There are trees that line the Champs Elysees and people have always wondered why.  I had no idea as to the reasoning behind planting them.

Tribute to all with a Little Bit of History Through My Eyes