Seedling Seed Sapling Mature Oak Snag

Like all living things trees have a life cycle: Birth Growth Aging Death

Seeds come in a variety of shapes, weights, colors, and sizes, depending on the species. Some seeds are in a protective nut like an acorn Others are in fleshy fruits, like the black cherry. The fruit of a pine is a cone and the seed is winged and resembles a miniature helicopter when falling. Wind, water, animals, and people spread seeds to the forest floor, open fields, yards and roadsides.

The seedling grows and begins to develop woody characteristics. The stem may bend or develop branches that reach toward light. Leaves lean or tilt toward light.

When the tree is about 1-4 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet, it is considered a sapling. As the tree starts to get taller the trunk thickens and branches develop..

With favorable conditions, a sapling will grow into a mature tree (>4 inches DBH). During this stage, each tree will grow as much as its species and site conditions will permit. In addition, flowers develop, reproduction ensues, fruits form, and seed dispersal can now occur. Trees provide the maximum environmental benefits to people during this stage. What does DBH mean?

What plant in the picture would you say is a mature tree?

What stage of the lifecycle are these trees in currently? SEEDLING

What stage of the lifecycle are these trees in currently? SNAG

What stage of the lifecycle are these trees in currently? SAPLING

Have you ever measured anything? WHAT? HOW? WHY? Why do people measure things? In what ways do people measure things?

1. Use the length of your index finger to measure the width of you textbook. 2. Use the length of your forearm to measure the height of your desk. How many finger lengths is your book? Why did people get different measurements? Compare your index finger with your neighbors. How can we make sure our measurements are accurate?

What characteristics would you use to identify trees? Look at the twigs on your desk for ideas. Look at several different features Leaves Bark Twigs Flowers Fruit Seeds Shape How do you think you use a book like this to identify trees?

We have 2 types of trees: Conifers (Evergreens) seeds develop in cones, have needle shaped leaves don’t lose leaves each year so stay green = evergreens Deciduous) : broad, flat leaves that they lose each year Oaks, maples, beeches, Sycamores

What are the shapes of these 3 leaves? PALMATE! HEART-SHAPED! ROUND OR OVAL! 1 2 3

Edges or margins of leaves give clues to tree identity Teeth (serrated) Lobed Smooth (toothless)

What type of leaf margin do these leaves have? LOBED!

Identify with the color and texture Shaggy, smooth, rough or deep furrows Example: Paper Birch – white, paper-like Use bark on trunk, not branches Paper Birch