Transcript Tree Anatomy for Tree Stewards

Basic Tree Anatomy
for TreeStewards
Restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the Nation’s Capital.
Trees are Complex Organisms
Courtesy of THE NEW YORKER
Tree Anatomy and Stewardship
Without knowledge of tree anatomy we
would not be able to understand how trees
grow and thrive and what needs to be done
to protect them from harm
Presentation Outline
• Roots
• Trunk and branches
• Leaves
Configuration Basics
Crown
Trunk
Roots
What o roots do?
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Provide support for the tree
Absorb nutrients and water from the soil
Absorb oxygen for metabolic processes
Store food (starches) during dormant
periods
Root Structure
• Scaffold or
buttress roots
• Lateral roots
• Absorbing
roots
Root Tips
As with all parts of a
tree roots grow from
their tips
Root Spread
• Roots spread beyond the crown
• Projected root area can be seven
times that of the crown
• Most active roots are within the top
two feet of soil
• Most mature trees do not have tap
roots
Requirements for Root Health
• Quality soil
– Of a consistency capable of supporting the tree
– Sufficiently loose to provide roots with access to
water and air
– Sufficiently loose to allow for good root grown
– Correct chemical and nutrient balance
– Good drainage
• Limited competition from other plants
• Sufficient area surrounding the tree to permit
adequate root spread and access to water.
Some Inhibitors to Root Health
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Improper planting
Improper mulching
Compacted soil
Bad location
– Poor drainage
– Heavy traffic
– Below ground restrictions (foundations, etc.)
• Competition from other plants
• Excessive use of herbicides
• Nearby excavation
Urban Resources Initiative, New Haven, CT
What’s the Problem Here?
Tree or shrub?
The Trunk Provides:
•Access to light
•Support for branches
and leaves
•Pathways for water
and nutrients
•Food storage
• Bark protects
e this
vital subsystem
Trunk Structure
Vascular Structure

XYLEM transports water and
minerals up

PHLOEM transports food down
(things phloe downhill)

CAMBIUM produces xylem and
phloem

Cork cambium produces outer
bark
Annual Growth Rings
Sample of Tree Shapes
Secondary Structure
Terminal Bud
Axillary Bud
Bud Scale Scar
• Longitudinal growth
occurs in meristem
tissue
• Found in terminal and
axillary buds
Leaf Scar
Branch Collar
• Forms at the juncture of the trunk and branches and between branches
• Provides support
• Source of protection after damage
Bugwood.org – Edward Barnard (ganoderma)
• Trees seal; they don’t heal
• CODIT (compartmentalization of
decay in trees)
Tree Guard
What can we do?
Arbo-tie
LEAVES
Basic Leaf Forms
Simple
Compound
Some Deciduous Leaf Forms
rachis
leaflet
petiole
bud
Pinnately Compound Leaf
Some Conifer Leaf Shapes
Pines
Hemlocks,
spruces
Cypress
some Junipers
Vein Configurations
Leaf Arrangement
Leaf Internal Structure
Functions:
•Produce food for tree
Cuticle
Chloroplasts
•Regulate movement of
water and gases
•Keep tree cool
Sparknotes.com
+
PHOTO
SUGARS
+
CO2
SYNTHESIS
+
O2
INTEGRATED ORGANISM
All parts are
closely
interrelated
and wok
together to
maintain a
healthy tree..
Be Curious
• Read and research beyond the class materials
• Use all available resources – some suggestions:
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Tree stewards
Virginia extension service 703 228-6414 (help desk)
Libraries
Casey Trees
Local lectures
Book stores
Internet
• Try using (your topic)(space)site:edu
• e. g., elm tree site:edu
Questions?
Assignment for next week
Read TSM Units 1, 2, 3 &
www.DOF.Virginia.gov
Click education tab