Deanie Richardson
Deanie Richardson talks about the shagbark hickory tree. © Used by permission of Deanie Richardson

Stories in Tennessee

If Trees Could Sing: Deanie Richardson

Deanie Richardson talks about the the benefits of trees like the shagbark hickory.

Deanie Richardson is a much in-demand fiddle player, based in Nashville. She has recorded or toured with Patty Loveless, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, the Chieftans, Bob Seger and many other artists. She made her stage debut at the Grand Ole Opry at age 13. In 2010, the Academy of Country Music named her Fiddle Player of the Year. Deanie did her video about the shagbark hickory on the grounds of Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary.

More music artists talk about trees . . . 

Deanie Richardson Deanie Richardson talks about the shagbark hickory for The Nature Conservancy's "If Trees Could Sing" video series.

Shagbark Hickory Facts

  • Scientific name: Carya ovata
  • Range: found across the East except in the Gulf states
  • Height: up to 100 ft.
  • Nuts: brown thick husk with nuts that are rounded and flattened
  • Fall colors: yellow
  • Distinguishing feature: shaggy gray bark

You Can Take Care of Trees Like the Shagbark Hickory

  • Plant in late fall or winter when the tree is dormant, unless the ground is frozen. 
  • Allow plenty of room for the tree to mature and grow.
  • Water it regularly in its first three years.
  • Spread mulch around the base of the tree. 

Mighty Cool Tree Fact

Did you know… forests are home to almost half the world’s animal species?