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We take tree pictures wherever we can find them.  We live in New Mexico where trees are common enough to provide frequent opportunities for good pictures but scarce enough to be special.

New Mexico has mountains at tall as 12,000 ft. and enough moisture for trees at elevations above about 6,000 feet.  Based on rainfall there are a variety of forest ecosystems at diffferent elevations. 

Below 6,000 feet there is not enough water for trees except in special cases, such as along stream beds or at the bottom of ravines. 

Starting at about 6,000 feet, a few junipers (Juniperus monosperma) can grow.  With slightly more moisture there will be some Pinyon (Pinus edulus) which is also the state tree of New Mexico.   The recent drought has made the Pinons susceptable to bores which carry a deadly fungus.  The result has been areas where 50% to 90% of the Pinyons have died.  They are now dead and dry and a fire would race through the forests

Next is the Ponderosa pine ecosystem (Pinus ponderosa).  Ponderosa is a large tree, popular for logging. 

Above the Ponderosa comes the mixed conifer ecosystem.  In New Mexico this includes White Fir, and Douglas fir.

Above the mixed confiers the Spruce/Fir system begins.  This is a mix of spruce and corkbark fir.  As the elevation increases, the firs drop out until only spruce is left.

Above the spruce are areas of alpine tundra.

We feel extremely fortunate that we can reach all  of these forest ecosystems within a 20 mile drive from our home.  Since these are growing on mountains we also have frequent opportunities to photograph mountains, storms, sunsets and other wonderful views.

This website displays only a few of our collection of tree pictures.  At Walking Rain Gallery we have more, as well as many pictures of other subjects.  Clicking links on this site will take you to the tree category of Walking Rain Gallery.