Spirit Oak

We call the majestic valley oak tree in the backyard Spirit Oak. It is the tallest of its kind remaining in the Napa Valley and it is over 400 years old. We purchased the 2-acre parcel in 2000 from an elderly Greek family, a brother and two sisters, some of whom are still around and own property to the west on Mora Avenue. They bought this parcel in the 50's and always intended to replace the small, yellow shack that was tucked just to the left and in the shadow of Spirit Oak. A Pattern Language suggests you resist the urge to  site your home on the most beautiful section of your property and, instead, place it where the building itself will enhance the beauty. So we tore down the shack and moved the site south where the land was empty and  flat.

You really can't grasp the size of Spirit Oak until you see it in relation to mere human beings. The Wapoo camped and celebrated under this tree when they came to swim in the natural hot mineral pools that dotted Calistoga.

What happens when you just let a tree grow? Some apparently reach out an arm for balance. Spirit Oak was pruned for her first time just after we purchased the land. Only dead and overly heavy branches were cut away. The trimmers refused any mechanization, using only climbing ropes and hand saws to give her a trim. "Just enough for her to enjoy her old age," the owner said.

Only a couple of branches have fallen since 2000. We planted fescue beneath her canopy to hold soil in place and protect roots from the elements.

We call this the oak grove. Spirit Oak is continually trying to propagate herself over here.

We've let the strong ones in the sun grow and cull out the shady suckers. Oaks grow slowly.

With your back to Spirit Oak, you can see what she sees.