SNAG TREES
What is a snag tree, you ask? A critical component of a forest, a “Snag” generally refers to an older,long-left-for-dead tree. Decay has set in, and many smaller branches have dropped to the forest floor.Tree bark has fallen off, and the sun has “bleached” the core wood a silvery-grey color on the outside. Ants and termites chew holes and woodpeckers follow them, enlarging the holes. In a moist area, plants may start to grow on the tree. Don’t forget green mosses, teal lichens, and brown shelf mushrooms. A tree-like this appears as a giant stick protruding up into the air; an object with the ability to “snag”something else, perhaps a more desirable tree a faller is trying to aim toward the ground using the saw.“Arrgh! That *$&;# Snag!” Hence, snags set the scene for stories.Snags may have a slight lean. Eventually, they will fall over and kiss the earth! I have termed this a Lying Snag. (Lying Snags always tell the truth, heh heh!)
LYING SNAGS
Since all Snags eventually must fall, the characteristics of trees lying on the ground or stuck in the mud must be replicated in model form. In the forest, a fallen “lying snag” would often have mosses and lichens growing upon it. The branches on the earth side may have been crushed in the fall. Sometimes they fall on other trees and are suspended, but often they lie flat on the ground. Earth should cover up to one-half of the trunk diameter. Roots are exposed, kicked up into the air, often coated with dirt; maybe mud in a rainy place. You can see the strength needed to keep the tree upright, and a considerable hole left in the ground where it once stood. Age will manifest as bark loss, and moist locations result in many opportunistic growths. A lone squirrel will sit atop this object, without consideration but for the nut that follows.
Flat on one side and rough on the other, these models are a unique feature for your layout or diorama.
I strive to add the finest and best branches and rooty details!
