Trees are the tallest living plants in the universe and bring beauty, air purification and visual interest to any landscape. There are more than 73,000 tree species on Earth, and each one has an interesting growth cycle no matter its size, shape or tree variety. Keep reading along for fascinating facts about a tree’s lifecycle.
In Every Seed Lies a Promise of a Forest
Imagine the spectacular redwood tree at 200 feet high; this majestic plant began from a seed as tiny as a tomato seed. Every tree you see from every corner of the globe started as a seed.
Wind, human beings and animals disperse these seeds into the environment, and once a seed settles into the ground, it can establish the growth process. Every tree seed is packed with its own nutritional elements. Germination will take place when the conditions are ideal, and the tree seed will grow roots that serve as plant anchors. A shoot will then emerge from the soil.
Seedlings Turn to Saplings and Much More
The juvenile stage of a tree is known as the sapling stage, and this is when most homeowners purchase trees for their properties. Saplings are easier to “raise” a tree than beginning from a seed. Most nurseries sell saplings, which are trees that have grown to around 1-4 inches in diameter.
Saplings have already passed the delicate germination stage, so they generally have a higher success rate than growing trees from seeds.
A Full-Grown Tree Is a Beautiful Thing To Behold
A tree is considered mature when it reaches its full growth expected from its species’ specifications and characteristics. Every tree is unique, and the environment can also affect its growth. Some of these factors include water, sunlight, soil and climate.
Some trees, like poplars, can reach maturity after a decade, while oak trees need some 30 years before they produce their first acorns. Tree experts say that a tree’s maturity is often identified by the plant’s ability to reproduce, producing flowers and seeds.
The final stage of a tree’s lifecycle is called a “snag.” This stage can include a dead standing tree or dying tree.
Let Us Help You Make the Right Tree Choices
Trees look strong and impressive and can enhance any landscape, big or small. They all grow uniquely at their own pace. If you’re living in Santa Rosa, CA, and want the best tree doctors to determine the health and structure of your trees, then contact the team at Image Tree Pros for expert tree consultation services.