UNCE, Reno, Nev. How Woody Vegetation Grows With special thanks to all our contributors including:

 How woody plants photosynthesize  How woody plants grow  Shoots and roots  Aspect and elevation considerations  Additional Resources ◦ this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Tree growth begins with photosynthesis to produce new wood when the growing season begins.

Bark Cambium Heartwood Sapwood Latewood Earlywood  Seed - reproduction  Leaves - photosynthesis (carbon capture)  Roots - water & nutrient uptake  Bark - protection  Cambium/buds - growth  Xylem - water transport (up) [dead]  Phloem - carbohydrate transport (down)

Outer Bark Phloem Cambium Sapwood Heartwood

Meristems: annual growth can also be seen in the branching patterns of many tree species (esp. conifers) 6 th year 5 th year 4 th year 3 rd year 2 nd year 1 st year Terminal leader One year’s growth

 Two main types ◦ Taproot ◦ Fibrous root (pines)  Most roots are found in top 18” of soil ◦ Up to 50% in the top 6”  Root systems can occupy an area 4-7 times the surface area occupied by the crown AVOID DAMAGE! Healthy trees have a healthy, expanding root system, injured roots may lead to dead branches above NC State Ext.

 Graft unions can form on roots ◦ Can move disease from one tree to another (Armillaria root disease – most important in Rocky Mtn. Region) Armillaria Sign: Mycelial fans under the bark. USDA Forest Service Rate of root grow varies at different times of the year

 Increase size by growing regions or meristems ◦ Terminal buds - height ◦ Cambium – width (diameter)  Most forests are regenerated sexually ◦ Seed dispersal is required ◦ Exceptions: aspen (and others)  Environmental factors: ◦ amount of light (forest gap) ◦ available moisture (mineral soil) ◦ temperature (dormancy & germination)

 Trees have a natural defense response to wounds and pruning cuts.  Trees can compartmentalize the wound thus preventing the spread of decay organisms NC State Ext.

Lodgepole pine forests usually end with a stand replacing fire every years (USFS-RMRS)

 Cool  Moist Dense regeneration and high competition for sunlight and nutrients  Warm  Dry Widely spaced trees lack moisture for growth and germination is hindered  Wetter side  “Rain Shadow” W S N E

Elevation and Aspect Influence Forest Cover Types

 CSFS ◦  CSU Ext. Trees and Woodlands ◦

 Identify all of the trees and shrubs on your property (and nearly adjacent areas should also be looked at, elms).  Select your key species and cover type.  Consider your objectives for this resource.