Monday, June 9, 2014

ANATOMY OF A REDWOOD & OAK TREE (Exogenous Trees)

Redwood & Oak trees grow rings that hold valuable data

As a Redwood and Oak tree (or any exogenous tree) grows, it produces rings. Any changes in growth rate, along with temperature variation throughout the yearly cycle, will make the tree's growth rings more visible.

The science of Dendrochronology uses "data" from the tree through determining the Redwood or Oak tree’s age by counting and examining its rings. The data is then used to date cores or even wood taken from trees in the past.


Here Is The Anatomy of A Redwood & Oak Tree: (and all exogenous trees)


1. Pith: The inner most part of the tree. Varies in shape and size. The pith is the oldest part of exogenous tree and when the plant becomes old, the pith dies and becomes and dark and fibrous.

2. Heart Wood: The portion surrounding pith. Strong and dark in color. Heart wood is useful for several engineering purpose. The dead part of wood and consists of various annular rings.
 
2 layers of bark protect the Cambium layer
3. Sap Wood: Next to heart wood is sap wood. Sap wood is instrumental in the growth of trees through permitting sap to move upward. Annual rings in sap wood are less sharply divided and light in color. Sap wood may also be referred to as “alburnum”.

4. Cambium Layer: Thin layer of fresh sap between the sap wood and the inner bark. The Cambium layer has sap which is not still converted into sap wood. If the bark is removed and Cambium layer exposed to atmosphere, the cells cease to be active and the tree dies.

5. Inner Bark: An inner skin of tree defending the cambium layer. It provides protection for the delicate and very important cambium layer.

6. Outer Bark: The outer skin of the tree made up of wood fibers. Sometimes it contains cracks and gaps.

7. Vascular (Medullary) Rays: Thin radial fibers extending from pith to cambium layer. They work together to hold the annular rings. In some of trees they are broken and some others are simply not prominent.


We love trees! We hope this blog article has been interesting and/or useful for you. Signature Tree Service strives hard to provide the best professional tree service in Northern California. Curtis Fosnaugh, CEO, is a reputable Certified Arborist and Certified Tree Risk Assessor. Signature Tree Service has proudly served Northern California for over 10 years!

Call us if your trees need work! We are here to help, 24/7. 

Signature Tree Service


707-449-8653  

Curtis, Oak collar exam

4 comments:

  1. My tree is hanging over my house and I am scared the branches can fall a damage it. It is a pretty big tree so it could be tough to do. I would like it completely removed but I don't think it is possible to remove that big of a tree.

    Edmund | http://www.lawntechltd.com/prod/lawntech.htm#!tree-care-services/c1vxz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ed,
      Big trees can be removed! Good rule of thumb: The bigger the tree, the more reputable your arborist should be.

      Delete
  2. I have a few trees in my yard that need to be removed. My husband cut some of them down but now there are these huge stumps that we don't know how to get rid of! What other services are offered by tree removalists?
    http://www.vabeachtreeservice.com/Tree-Trimming-Virginia-Beach-VA.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Holly,
      Any reputable, local tree service company should be able to help you with those stumps, as well as your remaining trees. Be sure you are hiring a professional company, with proof of payroll and Workman's Comp. for every worker on your property to minimize your homeowner liability.

      Delete