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Anatomy of the Tree

Lets take you back to your first biology class in junior high school. In the botany section , trees were discussed. A tree has three parts: roots, trunk and crown. Trees grow each year in height and span by adding on new growth in branch twigs.

Roots
The tree root system anchors the tree to the ground. Its root hairs take up water and minerals that the tree needs to grow. Thanks goodness the City of Denver stop the mandatory removal of trees whose roots uplifted or broke sidewalks. Just think how many magnificent American Elms and other large trees were lost from this practice. Now the sidewalks are laid around the roots are not cut.

Trunk
The bark of tree protects the tree from injury and the elements. The heartwood is inactive but give structure and strength to the tree. The tissue from the heartwood to the bark is the trunk is like a highway system where nutrients are shared throughout the tree. The sapwood carries sap from the roots to the leaves. Cells for tree growth are produced in the cambium. The inner bark feeds the cambium food the leaves produce.

Leaves
Leaves use sunlight and carbon dioxide with moisture and minerals from the root system to create food (sugar) for the tree system. If you want to know why deciduous trees drop their leaves in the fall, check out his blog – Why Do Trees Drop Their Leafs.

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