Basic Tree Anatomy for Tree Stewards Restoring enhancing

Basic Tree Anatomy for Tree. Stewards

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? • • 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 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?

The Trunk – It’s what makes a tree… 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 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 pet iolu le 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 + CO 2 SYNTHESIS + O 2

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: – 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