Tree Biology

• This session will cover tree anatomy (structure) and tree physiology (function) including how a tree is put together, how it grows in its environment and Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees (CODIT)

Keith Wood Colorado State Forest Service Tree Anatomy-Cells and Tissues • Apical Meristems-primary meristems that produce cells that result in elongation of roots and shoots • Lateral Meristems-secondary meristems that produce cells that result in an increase in diameter -cambium-thin, continuous sheath of dividing cells that produces cells that will become the vascular system of the tree

-xylem-produced to the inside (H2O) -phloem-produced to the outside (CHOs) -cork cambium-produces bark Apical (Primary) Meristem-Shoots From ISA Introduction to Arboriculture Tree Biology CD Apical (Primary) Meristem-Roots Apical (Primary) Meristem-Roots

Small absorbing roots Sinker roots Taproot (walnut, hickory, etc.) Lateral roots-can extend 2-3 times the crown radius, usually in top 12” of soil Lateral (Secondary) Meristem-Cambiums

Courtesy of University of Miami

Tree Physiology- Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis-process by which green plants use light energy to build carbon molecules from water and carbon dioxide • Photosynthate (Food)-sugar and other products of photosynthesis, much of which is stored for later energy requirements From ISA Arborists’ Certification Study Guide, Figure 1.7, 1st edition From micro.magnet.fsu.edu Tree Physiology-Photosynthesis

From ISA Introduction to Arboriculture Tree Biology CD Tree Physiology-Respiration

• Respiration-process by which carbohydrates produced from photosynthesis are converted to energy by using oxygen

Opposite reaction of photosynthesis

“Food+Oxygen Water and Carbon Dioxide”

From ISA Arborists Certification Study Guide, Figure 1.12, 1st edition CODIT-Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees

-Wall 2-resists inward spread of decay-compact latewood cells

-Wall 3-resists lateral spread-ray -Wall 1-resists vertical cells spread of decay-xylem plugging-weakest wall

-Wall 4-resists outward spread into Figures Courtesy of ISA Introduction new wood that is to Arboriculture Tree Biology CD/Photos Courtesy of Vince Urbina formed-strongest wall QUESTIONS? TREE PLANTING AND ESTABLISHMENT

Keith Wood Colorado State Forest Service Select the Right Tree for the Right Place • Match the Tree to the Site:

– Growth Habit, Water Needs, Durability (Hardiness)

– Soil pH, Texture Map courtesy of the National Arbor Day and Drainage Foundation

– Insect and Disease Issues Remember…Right Tree/Right Place— Avoid Soil and Site Problems

Photo Courtesy of Kentucky Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement

Photo courtesy of Ecospace Conscious Community Photo courtesy Missouri Botanical Garden Photo courtesy of e-streetscapes.com What Size of Stock To Plant? Bigger is not always Better! 1 year to Re-establish for Each Inch of Tree Caliper

Source: “Arboriculture” 3rd Ed. 1999, p. 163 by Harris, Clark & Matheny, photo compliments of Gary Watson, Morton Arboretum Selecting Trees at the Nursery

• Vigor, growth rate • Branch spacing • Trunk taper • Foliage distributed on upper 2/3 of tree • Central, dominant leader • No mechanical damage • Insect/disease free • Examine roots • Bare Root, Containerized or Balled/Burlapped Transportation and On Site Storage

-Transport in the early morning in the summer -Tarp foliage/branches to reduce damage -Load/unload properly with trunk protection

-Store plants in the shade whenever possible -Maintain soil moisture -Cover roots with mulch Planting Bare Root Trees

• Bare root-exposed root system without soil -small, lightweight -dormant season -roots must be kept moist -most require staking From ISA Arborists’ Certification Study Guide, Figure 7.1 Containerized Trees

• Watch for Circling/Stem Girdling Roots!

Photos Courtesy of the University of Florida

Balled and Burlapped Trees

Watch for Too Much Soil Over the Root System! Photo Photo of Florida Courtesyof the University

Photo Courtesy of the University of Florida From ISA Arborists’ Certification Study Guide, Figure 7.5

PLANTING HOLE

-ideally 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball at soil surface (wide and shallow!)

-hole never deeper than the root ball First Order Major Root

-set on undisturbed soil

Photo Courtesy of the -irrigated, heavy University of Florida clay soils compound the problem of planting to deeply From ISA Arborists’ Certification Study Guide, Figure 7.5 PLANTING • Other considerations -handle root ball with extreme care

-orient plant in same direction it grew when it was dug

-use existing soil as backfill when feasible, topsoil that matches existing soil texture closely as possible only if necessary

-water thoroughly to remove air pockets and reduce shock STAKING AND GUYING

• Staking-supporting a newly planted tree with stakes -staking trees not always necessary -less trunk taper -smaller root system -more subject to breaking, tipping -may injure the tree

Photo Courtesy City of Aurora Forestry

-needed in some situations -bare root trees -large conifers -windy sites -sandy soils -tall trees -reduce vandalism Photo Courtesy South -remove after 1 year! Dakota State University CARE AFTER PLANTING • Fertilization/Other Treatments (Vitamins, Mycorrhizae, etc.) usually not beneficial at time of transplanting

• Pruning limited at time of planting (dead, broken, some structural OK) Source: www.plantsandgardening.com • Tree wrap-material used to wrap the trunks of newly planted trees -may be useful November-April to prevent sunscald damage -can harbor insects and diseases

•1 year to re-establish for each inch of tree caliper

Source: “Arboriculture” 3rd Ed. 1999, p. 163 by Harris, Clark & Matheny, photo compliments of Gary Watson, Morton Arboretum CARE AFTER PLANTING • Mulch -3 to 4 inches -keep away from trunk of tree

Source: www.treesaregood.com CARE AFTER PLANTING

• Watering (April-September) • 10 gallons/inch diameter – 1”-3” diameter-water weekly – 4”-8” diameter-water 3 times/month • 15 gallons/inch diameter – 10”+ diameter-water 2 times/month

• Watering (October-March) • 10 gallons/inch diameter, 1 to 2 times/month

Source: www.watersaver.org QUESTIONS? QUESTIONS?

Use 2 opposing flexible ties when staking is necessary Keep mulch 6” back from trunk Gently pack back-fill using water to settle soil Trunk Flare 3-4” layer of mulch

Cut burlap and rope away from top half of Set ball on firmly packed root ball soil to prevent settling

International Society of Arboriculture Planting Standard