A giant smiley face made out of trees can be seen by drivers in Polk County, Oregon
The hills have a smile!
Fall brings cooler temperatures and the promise of changing leaves across the United States, but in Polk County, Oregon, it also heralds the arrival of a massive smiley face made of trees.
According to Oregon Live, the happy symbol can be seen by drivers traveling on Oregon 18 between Grand Ronde and Willamina every year.
A Hampton Lumber company spokesperson told the outlet that the smiley face was designed and planted on the company property in 2011.
“Our foresters begin planning the reforestation process after each harvest,” Kristin Rasmussen explained. “Depending on the elevation and soil conditions, they typically plant a variety of native species such as Douglas fir, western hemlock, noble fir, and western red cedar.”
The smiley face’s distinctive coloring was created by larch trees, which “turn yellow and drop off in the fall,” according to a company spokesperson.
“That’s why the smiley face is most visible this time of year,” Rasmussen explained to the outlet.
Although the smiley face won’t be part of the fall foliage forever, the spokesperson said it should be visible for the next 30-50 years before the trees are harvested.
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