1. TREES

2. What is a Tree?
A tree is a large, woody plant that has a single, sturdy stem, or trunk, and that grows taller than most other plants.

3. What About Shrubs & Bushes?
Shrubs and bushes are much smaller and have several stems instead of a single trunk.

5. Basic Parts of a Tree Crown Trunk Root System
Gathers sunlight, makes food for growth, helps filter air, produces oxygen.
Supports crown, carries water and nutrients to crown, carries food back to roots.
Anchors tree, collects water and nutrients from soil, helps hold soil in place.

6. CROWN Leaves breathing pores solar panels
Takes in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during photosynthesis.
solar panels
Takes in light energy and heat in order for photosynthesis to occur.

7. TRUNK Inner Bark Cambium Sapwood Phloem (arteries)
Carries food from the leaves down to the stem and roots.
Cambium
Phloem & xylem cells are made in this single cell layer.
Sapwood
Xylem (veins)
Transports water, minerals and food upward from the roots to the leaves and horizontally across the stem.

8. ROOTS
Root Tips & Hairs
absorb water and minerals from the soil that are used in photosynthesis

9. Classifying Trees Angiosperm Deciduous (hardwood) Gymnosperm
angeion – “case”
sperma – “seed”
Deciduous (hardwood)
Flowering Trees
wide, flat leaves
fall off in autumn
Gymnosperm
gymnos – “naked”
sperma – “seed”
Coniferous (softwood)
Cone-bearing Trees
needle-like leaves
scale-like leaves
most stay green all year

10. How Old is That Tree?
Every year a tree’s trunk grows wider, and each year’s growth appears as a ring.
The approximate age of the tree can be determined by counting the annual growth rings.
Springwood – wider, lighter part of the ring made up of cells that are added in the spring, when the tree grows rapidly.
Summerwood – thinner, darker part of the ring formed during the rest of the year, when the tree grows more slowly.

11. Counting Growth Rings
Start at the center ring (first year of growth) and count outward towards the bark.
Close rings
Slow growth
Dry year
Limited water
Wider bands
Faster growth
Wetter year
Optimal growing conditions

12. The Value of Trees
Can you identify 4 reasons why trees should be valued as one of our most important natural resources?
Recreational use
Filters air
Habitats for wildlife
Products and by-products