TREE

ANATOMY
LESSON FORTY-NINE | FALLING DOWN
 T R E E A N AT O M Y

S K I L L S

Dendrology, Biology, Nature Walk, Artistic Expression, Nature Journaling

S U P P L I E S

Tree Anatomy poster (included) C

 olored pencils

N
 ature journal Internet or tree books for research

P
 encil
 ALL ABOUT TREES!
Beautiful, majestic trees. We see them growing everywhere, from city sidewalks and
backyards, to nature centers and parks. They grow in churchyards and schoolyards and
outside businesses and stores. Small, medium, or large, trees are usually easy to recognize
because of their general size and shape. Trees are vascular plants, so they have the same
general structure of roots, stems and leaves that other vascular plants have. You have
probably heard of roots, trunks, branches and leaves, but many of us aren’t as familiar with
their inner workings.
Let’s start at the bottom and work our way to the top. Some of the most important
tree parts are actually underground where we usually can’t see them. Tree roots provide an
anchor for the tree in the ground and help store food. They also gather up water and minerals
from the soil around them. They may develop symbiotic relationships with soil microbes to
enhance the tree’s nutrients. Two types of roots are common; non-woody feeder roots grow
in the top few inches of soil while woody roots are large and spread out, growing up to 12
inches deep. Feeder roots may develop root hairs to help with absorption. Large woody roots
extend far out from the tree, even past the dripline (area under the tree canopy’s reach). While
woody roots provide support for the tree, they also absorb water and store carbohydrates.
Tree roots may reach deep into the ground, depending on the species and conditions, but
usually most roots are found in the top few feet of soil. Underground, a tree does not look like
a mirror image of its above ground parts. The body of roots does not grow as deep as it does
wide, and the spread of the roots often extends beyond the edge of the canopy.
The stem of the tree is basically its trunk and branches. Their job is to be the tree’s
skeleton or framework. In addition, they contain the majority of the vascular system to
conduct food and water throughout the tree. Carbohydrate storage is another function of this
part of the tree. The trunk is covered in a protective layer called bark. The outer bark serves to
keep excessive moisture out and necessary moisture in. It also protects the tree from insects
and weather extremes. Just inside the outer bark, the cortex layer provides extra support for
the tree as it bends and sways. The next layer is the inner bark. This layer of vascular tissue
is called phloem, and it transports food from the leaves to the rest of the tree. As the phloem
cells wear out, they are shed outward to become bark. The next trunk layer is cambium, a thin
layer that produces new growth each year resulting in a thicker trunk and branches. Xylem,

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 ALL ABOUT TREES!
phloem and cambium are the cells produced in this layer. And speaking of xylem, it’s the next
layer and is also known as sapwood. Xylem transports water throughout the tree, and worn
out xylem cells contribute to the innermost trunk layer known as heartwood. Heartwood’s
main function is support because of its strength.
Branches, both small and large, grow from the trunk and extend outward to support
leaves and fruits. They also transport food and water to and from the leaves. Leaves are
where photosynthesis takes place and where the tree’s food is made. Leaves are usually
green due to the chlorophyll that absorbs sunlight, thereby energizing the photosynthesis
process so carbohydrates can be produced for the tree. Leaves also release the oxygen that
is produced as a byproduct of food production. Branches and leaves together make up the
canopy of the tree, providing shade and shelter as well as air filtration.
So, to sum it up, trees are awesome. They are stately and self-sufficient producers. They
take up the carbon dioxide we breathe out, and in return, they make food for themselves and
give us oxygen. In this study, we will take a look at the anatomy and physiology of trees and
how their roots, stems and leaves work to help the tree survive.

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INSIDE AND OUT
Using the tree anatomy poster included from @chickieandroo, you can learn the names
and functions of the parts of trees you see everyday. Start by gathering your poster and pencils.
Then, sit down and relax. Review together the names of the tree sections and their various parts.
Discuss briefly what the function of each section is. With younger naturalists the descriptions won’t
be as detailed. Later on, when you have time, return to the poster. See if you are able to remember
the names of any of the parts you discussed earlier. Then try to fill in the blanks on the poster or
say the names of the parts out loud.
After learning the tree parts using the poster (or while learning them), go outside! Bring your
journals and pencils with you. Find a tree, small or large and draw its picture in your journal. Label
the parts of the tree that you have studied. Of course, you probably cannot see the roots, but you
can imagine what they look like and how far they extend downward and outward. Try to identify
the tree by looking at its leaves and bark. Write the name of the tree in your journal entry.

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QUESTIONS
TO PONDER
Think about these questions, jot down your answers, or discuss them with each other.

What are two main functions of tree roots?

What parts make up the tree’s crown?

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QUESTIONS
TO PONDER
Think about these questions, jot down your answers, or discuss them with each other.

What was your favorite part of the tree to learn about? Why?

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 EXTEND
THE LESSON
Take Root!
We learned about tree roots as part of the plant that grows underground. Roots spread
out in the soil and help the tree stabilize and absorb water. But there are trees that have
interesting root systems that don’t follow the norm. We recommend doing a little research
to learn more about the structures of these unique root systems and the reasons behind
these adaptations. Here are a few to get you started: Kapok Tree, Walking Palm, Mangrove
Trees. Try making models of one of these types of trees, or make a nature journal entry
about them. Find out where their native range is and the type of habitat they prefer.

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