The Anatomy of a Tree

Trees are complex living organisms. They are composed of several components that make up the entire organism. In nature, trees are naturally provided with all of the conditions they need to survive and thrive.

However, when you plant a tree on your property, you are reintroducing the plant to a different environment. Simply leaving your tree to fend for itself will be counterproductive and lead to its eventual demise.

As a result, you should take a proactive approach to know each component of a healthy tree. To assist you on the path to achieving productive tree growth, here is the anatomy of a tree.

Leaves

Leaves are easily the most recognizable feature of a tree. Throughout the seasons, leaves can change color and eventually fall off. Specifically, leaves are sheets of living cells that are connected to the plumbing system of the tree.

The purpose of leaves is to absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide to stimulate the process of photosynthesis, an integral metabolic process that results in the survival of the tree. Leaves are structurally interesting.

They have stomata, which open and close to absorbing the necessary nutrients to benefit the entire tree structure.

Trunks and Branches

At first glance, it may seem like the trunk and branches of a tree are just made of wood. Actually, the material these components consist of is made from various types of cells designed to reinforce strength, the transport of liquids, resistance to decay and injury, and the storage of other materials.

Branches make up the skeleton of the tree, forming the canopy and lifting up the leaves to take in sunlight. The trunk, on the other hand, connects the leafy crown to the base. It’s responsible for transporting water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the organism.

Roots

Roots are undeniably the most important component of the tree. Any large tree that suddenly has its roots dug up will die within weeks. Naturally, roots are designed to be underground as they are sensitive and can be affected by outside extremities.

Roots mainly absorb the water and nutrients collected from the ground. They also anchor the tree in place, as trees cannot be moved until the roots are destroyed. The top of the tree must be healthy in order to make sure the roots can consume enough nutrients to continue their vital functions.

Flowers

Have you ever wondered by bees, wasps, dragonflies, and birds are attracted to flowers? These animals have an innate duty as pollinators. Generally speaking, flowers serve as the reproductive center for trees.

These organisms carry pollen to other areas to spread the growth of other trees. It’s important that flowers are not cut off from trees. Pollination improves the environment and can lead to the development of healthy plant life around your property.

Flowers also benefit the environment by producing more oxygen-radiating plants that take in carbon dioxide.

Fruit

The fruit is a seed-bearing structure that is developed from the tree’s ovary. Fruits are also in the reproductive center of trees. This is because fruits contain seeds. You could say that trees enter a positive symbiotic relationship with both humans and animals.

When people and animals eat fruit, they indirectly spread the seeds once it’s discarded. This allows the tree to grow in other regions. In addition to this, fruit attracts animals and insects that can serve as pollinators.

Hence, fruit can be beneficial to their environment. Though, pests can be attracted to fruit and infect trees. This can lead to disease that can kill the tree over time.

Why You Should Hire an Arborist

Now that you understand the entire structure of a tree, it’s important to realize that each component needs special attention to yield positive growth. Arborists are very knowledgeable and highly-trained individuals that fully understand the anatomy of various tree species.

With a limited understanding of different trees, you may not be the best fit for giving your trees what they need to thrive in their environment. With that said, it’s absolutely crucial to hire a Certified Arborist.

These individuals can provide the expertise and resources necessary to keep your trees healthy throughout the year.

Give Us a Call Today!

Do you want to work with a team of ISA-Certified Arborists in Dallas, Texas? If so, you’ve come to the right place. TreeNewal has decades of combined experience in providing maintenance to diverse tree species.

Give us a call today at tel:(817) 592-6846 to speak to a member of our team today and schedule an appointment.

To learn more about The Anatomy of a Tree, call our Argyle and Southlake based teams at tel:(817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

We’re a little different than the average tree services company.

Learn more about TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists!

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Healthy trees, healthy lives.