1/13/2023 0 Comments Weather indicator dyiOne study, found on the internet, used an enclosed box fitted with a humidity controlling system to scientifically prove that the branches moved in response to changes in humidity. The branches are then spread upward in wet (high humidity) weather to absorb moisture. ![]() This theory suggests that balsam fir trees naturally hang their branches downward in dry (low humidity) weather to conserve moisture. ![]() It still works, even though it has no “reaction wood” because it grew straight upward. However, a weather stick made from a small sapling, cut off at ground level, disproves this theory. Thus, some stimulus in weather patterns causes the branch to bend up or down because of the difference in the wood cells. The bottom cells are said to be under compression from holding the branch up. As a branch grows out from the tree there is a difference in the tiny wood cells on the top of the branch when compared to the cells on the bottom of the branch. But how do they work? This has been studied many times and there is a lot of confusing and conflicting information, ideas, and opinions available on how and why they work.įirst, there is the “reaction wood” theory. I made my own weather sticks last summer and have been mystified by them ever since. Some have been in use for as many as 20 years and are still working. One account says that a small sapling, cut off at ground level and stripped of all branches and needles will respond as a weather stick as well as any other method. Even a single balsam fir branch cut from the tree and stuck into a hole drilled into a base plate will work. A single small branch, ¼ inch in diameter, attached to a section of trunk will work just as well. The sticks will turn up into a nice “smile” when the weather is good and down into a “frown” when the weather is bad. Then, just watch them as they move in relation to the weather. Be sure to mount the branches upside down from the way they grew on the tree. After drying, the weather sticks can be nailed under the eaves of a barn or cabin. Without bark, the branches will dry quickly. Then, strip off all of the bark and needles, leaving only the trunk section and the two small bare branches. Cut out a 4 inch section of the trunk above and below the spot where two small branches, about 24 inches long, reach in opposite directions. To make your own weather stick, look for a small balsam fir tree about an inch in diameter. ![]() Since there seems to be a market for them, it occurs to me that an entrepreneur could buy a $50 balsam fir Christmas tree, then, after Christmas, cut off all the branches and sell them for $10 each as weather sticks. I was surprised at the price of $10 to $20 for such a simple stick, when you can easily make you own. ![]() They can even be purchased on-line as Old Time, Balsam, Farmer’s, or Woodsman’s weather sticks. In eastern states, farm supplies, gift shops, pet stores, even grocery stores are well stocked with their own variation of weather sticks. Weather sticks are available for sale from many sources. The weather sticks “smile” in an upward curve on a nice, sunny day.
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