Basic Tree Anatomy for TreeStewards

Restoring, enhancing and protecting the tree canopy of the Nation’s Capital.

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

• Scaffold or buttress roots

• Lateral roots • Absorbing

roots

Root Structure

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?

Tree or shrub?

e

•Access to light •Support for branches and leaves •Pathways for water and nutrients •Food storage

The Trunk Provides:

• Bark protects this vital subsystem

Trunk Structure

XYLEM transports water and minerals up

PHLOEM transports food down (things phloe downhill)

CAMBIUM produces xylem and phloem

Cork cambium produces outer bark

Vascular Structure

Annual Growth Rings

Sample of Tree Shapes

Secondary Structure

Bud Scale Scar

Terminal Bud

Axillary Bud

Leaf Scar

• Longitudinal growth occurs in meristem tissue

• Found in terminal and axillary buds

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

Arbo-tie

What can we do?

LEAVES

Basic Leaf Forms

Simple Compound

Some Deciduous Leaf Forms

rachis

bud

Pinnately Compound Leaf

petiole

leaflet

Some Conifer Leaf Shapes

Vein Configurations

Leaf Arrangement

Sparknotes.com

Leaf Internal Structure Functions: •Produce food for tree •Regulate movement of water and gases •Keep tree cool

Chloroplasts Cuticle

+ +

+ O2

PHOTO SYNTHESIS

SUGARS

CO2

INTEGRATED ORGANISM

All parts are closely interrelated and wok together to maintain a healthy tree..

Questions?

Assignment for next week

Read TSM Units 1, 2, 3 &

www.DOF.Virginia.gov

Click education tab