Understanding Tree Biology

Tree biology is a complex and intriguing science. As the tallest free-standing living organism in the world, trees provide materials, nutrients and oxygen to the world and all of its inhabitants, simply because of their anatomy. In their latest blog post, Treesaw shed a light on these organisms and attempt to gain an insight into the biology of a tree.

Makeup

Despite being the tallest living organisms in the world, the anatomy of a tree is relatively is straightforward. Firstly, the roots of a tree are arguably the most important aspects, as these allow the tree to source water and nutrients, as well as giving anchorage to the growth of the tree. The trunk of a tree is also essential for anchorage and structure. As well as being the hub of stability for the tree, the trunk is also the highway in which nutrients pass through to reach the roots. Branches have the task of spreading the tree as wide as possible in order to attract as much light to the tree to aid growth. Leaves, however, are the main tool for trees to put photosynthesis into action by channelling the light into the branches and through the tree.

Growth

With some of the tallest trees in the world stretching to over 90 meters, the growing stage of a trees life is vitally important to their health. In order for trees to reach these incredible heights, tree trunks and branches source new cells via photosynthesis and store these cells beneath the bark. These cells make up vessels, called Xylem and Phloem, that carry water and food throughout the entirety of the tree.

Contrary to popular belief, trees do not grow all year round. Tree’s grow in seasons, hence why the circles that loop around the inside of a tree are evidence of growth cycles. Tree’s grow in seasons, particularly in the summer and spring, when the process of photosynthesis is made easier through the increased levels of light.

Age

One of the most common pieces of knowledge surrounding trees is that you can tell their age through the rings around the trunk. To some extent, this is true, but measuring the age of tree which is still alive is a little more complex. By using an increment borer, foresters can take a reading from the inside of a tree and count the growth cycles of a tree that way, before plugging the tree back up.

If you wish to find out more about our tree surgeons and the work they carry out, contact Treesaw today by calling us on 0113 239 1271 or by leaving us a message via our online contact form.