Last week, while I was metal detecting, I came across a single tree in the middle of a field. I couldn’t help but wonder why someone would plant a tree in the middle of a field, but I could only think of a few possible reasons.
As I continued my search, I started paying closer attention to other fields and noticed that many of them also had a single tree located in the middle.
After doing some research, I learned that there are actually several reasons why a single tree might be planted in the middle of a field. So …
… What is actually the reason that there is only a single tree in the middle of a field?
The main reason why farmers planted a single tree in the middle of a field was creating shade for fieldworkers and livestock. The tree could also have ended up in the middle of the field because of the land consolidation between farmers. Last but not least, farmers used the tree for controlling vermin, property recognition and selling the wood.
If you’ve ever wondered why some fields have a single tree planted in the middle, then this article is for you! I’ve done the research and will share with you the fascinating reasons why farmers planted these trees, along with some interesting historical facts.
Plus, I’ll reveal why these old trees can be great spots for treasure hunting
Shade for workers and livestock
Back in the day, many people worked in fields without the aid of tractors and modern techniques. They had to rely on horses or do the work themselves, which was often exhausting, especially on hot summer days.
To provide relief from the heat, farmers would plant a tree in the middle of the field, creating shade for workers and livestock. This way, workers could take breaks and rest in the shade when they were tired, making their work more manageable
It may also be possible that the current field used to be a pasture. A tree in the middle of a pasture provided shade for the livestock.
Property recognition
Another reason why farmers planted trees in the middle of their fields was to mark their property boundaries. By planting a tree, they could make it clear to others that the field was their land.
The tree would be visible from a long distance, making it easier for the farmer’s staff to recognize the land and know where to work. This was especially useful in large fields or areas where multiple farms were nearby.
Created by land consolidation
It might be possible that the tree was placed on the edge of a field back in the days. The tree was placed on the edge to clarify the boundaries of the field.
Over the years, land consolidation has taken place. Land consolidation led to the trade of fields between field owners. This means that the shapes of the fields have changed over a long period of time. A tree that originally stood on the edge, could stand in the middle of a field years later.
Pest control
A single tree in a field can attract birds, butterflies, and bats, which are beneficial for pest control near crops. Farmers may have planted trees to help prevent pests from damaging their fields.
Scenic value
Often, old trees in the middle of a field have a scenic value. They are so old that they represent a little history of the area. For many people, these trees have an emotional value because the tree reminds them of their past. These trees are also very good for photographers.
Selling old wood
Another reason why farmers planted trees in the middle of a field could be the wood production. A tree can become very large in a relatively short time if it gets enough water and sunlight.
In the middle of the field, the tree won’t be affected by other objects that cause shadow and it also gets enough water. This means that the tree can grow relatively fast.
The wood of these old trees is worth a nice amount of money. This could be the reason that a farmer planted the tree in the middle of the field.
Is the area around a tree a good place for metal detecting?
Yes, people sometimes used the area near to old trees to bury a box with valuable stuff. When the person who buried it died, the valuable stuff stayed in the ground close to these old trees.
Back in the days, people didn’t have a good safe to protect their valuable stuff. Some people used old trees as a place to hide some valuable stuff. They often buried a box with these things near to an old tree.
This box with valuable stuff stayed in the ground when somebody died without telling other people about the location of this buried box. This means that old trees are good locations for finding treasures from the past.
Of course, the chance is not very high to find these treasures, but it is possible. So do your best and never give up!
It is possible that your metal detector keeps constantly beeping when it comes close to an old tree. Keep in mind that your metal detector may also react to bullets that may have ended up in the tree during a war.
If you want to know all the other reasons why a metal detector keeps constantly beeping, you should take a look at my other blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trees can get very old. The most common tree on a piece of land is an oak tree. An oak tree can live for 300 years!
The wider and taller a tree, the older it is. You can also look at the annual growth rings of the tree if you want to know the age.
In the first stage of his life, a tree can grow with 3 feet per year. When the tree is in the last stage of his life, it grows with only 1.5 inches per year.