Treecology: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Trees and Forests

Treecology: 30 Activities and Observations for Exploring the World of Trees and Forests — page 9
Parts of a Tree On the ground at the base of a tree you can often see the top surface of large roots spreading away from the trunk If you could dig up a large tree you would find that the big roots divide into smaller roots then into tiny rootlets and finally into tinier roots called root hairs You can sometimes see the entire root system of a tree when it has been blown down by a severe storm and the roots have been ripped out from the ground The trunk of most trees rises upward to spread out into large branches then smaller branches and then smaller and shorter twigs The twigs support buds and leaves The leafy top of a mature fully grown tree is called the crown The tops of many trees including maples birches oaks and ash trees are rounded An American elm has branches and a crown that grow in a fan or fountain shape A blue spruce often planted near homes and buildings has a American elms are found in most of the eastern and central United States and in parts of southern Canada This huge specimen is almost 100 feet tall The crown of this sugar maple is a beautiful sight in the fall when the leaves turn bright orange 44