Photography > Standing and Falling

Two out of three is being generous. The rate at which trees fall can be attributed to a wide variety of circumstances, and this rate is increasing worldwide. Poor soil conditions, massive shifts in weather patterns, invasive species, and other factors contribute to the failing lives of trees. These photographs were taken atop a Colorado mountain where snowfall had decreased by half over two years. As the snowfall declined, the soil loosened, the ground dried out, and roots became exposed—leaving trees unable to hold firmly to the ground. How trees die remains a fascinating question that invites deeper examination and critical understanding of our landscapes.