Jan 10, 2020 · The odd-looking vertical scars occasionally found on the trunks of pine trees are signs of times gone by. Known as “cat faces,” these scars are what remain of the forest-based turpentine industry that dates back to colonial times.

Jul 26, 2021 · In the southeastern United States, the term "catface" refers specifically to the scars left behind by the extraction of sap or resin from pine trees. Pine resin was at one time in high demand because it could be used for waterproofing ships and making turpentine.

Jun 11, 2010 · At alarming rates, catfaced trees have been sawed down, turned to paper, crumpled, and tossed into garbage cans. Those that do remain are few and far between. By virtue of their only-recent rarity, catfaces have become powerful symbols of history and change.

Jan 31, 2024 · As they heal, it’s harder to see the emblematic “whiskers” that led to them being called catfaces, but these scarred pines gave life to a labor-intensive industry that was integral to American shipping and employed thousands in Southern Georgia until the early 1960s.

Jan 6, 2023 · 'Chippers' began the turpentine process by slashing a "cat face" into the tree. Bleeding sap is directed by a tin strip to a box, or later a 'Herty' pot, hung below the scars. 'Dippers' visited the trees every 7 to 12 days (based on the season and tree's age).

Feb 13, 2021 · Look for the Cat-Face tree on the right side of the trail just south of this display. Erected by Florida State Parks. Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce. Location. 29° 6.097′ N, 82° 5.339′ W. Marker is near Ocala, Florida, in Marion County.

The snags found on site depict the “box’ cut at the base of the tree and the “catface” hacks extending 20 feet up the trunk of the tree. Each of these snags were hacked on three sides of the tree.

Jul 15, 2024 · Today, remnants of the turpentine business are scattered throughout the forests and woodlands across Southwest Alabama. Artifacts, sale documents, and “cat faces”, trees and stumps scarred from extracting turpentine, reflect the importance of turpentine in …

Aug 9, 2005 · The tree in the picture is still alive, but finding a dead catface is a gold mine if you have a fireplace...yes, we have them in Florida. The high concentration of resin makes the catface incredibly flammable and the very best kindling wood.

Jul 26, 2021 · A catface is usually located on the lower part of the tree trunk, roughly from knee- to head-height. A shallow area in the center, caused by the removal of the bark, is surrounded by a raised ridge or border where the cut bark has healed.