Understanding the Tree Growth Process from the Inside and Out

If you want to have a greater amount of appreciation for something, you need to understand the essence of how it works. With trees—we all understand how crucial of a role they play in our lives and in our environment, but to fully understand just how important it is to take care of them, we have to understand how they grow. At Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow, it is our goal to ensure that you have as much knowledge as possible to keep your trees happy and healthy. 

Understanding tree growth and where it occurs

Out of the six organs that trees have, three of them take advantage of photosynthesis to make the tree grow. These organs are the leaves, stems and roots of the tree, and throughout the photosynthesis process—they produce sugar by using the sun, carbon dioxide, water and minerals they have gathered. The sugars that they produce are, in essence, the building blocks through which the tree grows. 

A meristem (a tissue in the tree containing cells) is the part of the tree that grows from the sugars, and during the growth process, those cells divide, elongate and grow into specific structures such as roots or shoots on the tree. 

Types of above ground growth

There are a few types of above ground growth that the tree goes through during this time. 

• Shoot growth: This type of growth occurs at the tip of the branches. The bud on the branch opens up, leaves emerge from it and grow and the space between each of the leaves expands as well.
• Leaf growth: When the buds open up, this phase of growing happens when the leaf itself starts to grow. Once a leaf develops, a new bud grows at the base of the leaf, and although it could take a longer amount of time—the bud could one day become a branch. 
• Diameter growth: Between the layer of wood and the outer bark, there is a thin layer of cells that divide and grow, and within each passing year, they produce new wood layers—increasing the diameter of the tree as well as the branches. 

Below ground growth

Below the ground, the tree’s roots are able to grow in length and diameter, but the root cap is one part of the root that constantly needs to be replaced. The root cap is the tip of the root, and it protects the root as it continues to grow and move deeper into the soil. The roots are also able to create new lateral roots as they expand. 

Lifespan of trees

The lifespan of the tree depends on the type of the tree and the area in which it grows. When a tree starts to age, growth slows down, they become more susceptible to diseases and insects and you’ll start to notice an increased number of dead branches. If the tree is somewhat young, these factors could also be a sign that the tree is in poor health and needs more attention—so make sure you read up on all of the ways you can help care for your trees to ensure they have a long life ahead of them. 

At Ben & Annie’s Trees for Tomorrow, it is our goal to leave the world better off than we found it, and we hope that in the spirit of giving this holiday season, you’ll take a minute to learn more about our organization and donate in any way that you can. If you have any questions about who we are or what we do, contact us online today.