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Anatomy of a Tree

How knowledgeable are you when it comes to the anatomy of a tree? Being able to identify parts of a tree is helpful in identifying tree illnesses and safety hazards. Tweet your tree anatomy questions at us: “@westchestertree”.

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Starting from the Bottom: The Root System

A healthy root system makes for a healthy tree! The purpose of the tree’s root system is to anchor the tree, as well as absorb water and minerals from the soil. There are two kinds of roots, large perennial roots and small, short-lived “feeder” roots.

Did You Know: Tree roots are typically found in the top three feet of soil.

The Five Parts of a Tree Trunk

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Did you know a tree trunk has five parts? A tree trunk is comprised of the outer bark, the inner bark, the cambium cell layer, sapwood and heartwood!

The heartwood is the innermost layer of the tree trunk, and acts as the supporting pillar of the tree. Though the heartwood is technically dead, it does not decay or lose strength while the outer layers of the tree are intact. Heartwood is a composite of hollow, needlelike cellulose fibers which are bound together by a chemical-like glue, lignin, making it almost as strong as steel.

The layer which covers the heartwood is the sapwood, which later hardens and turns into heartwood. Sapwood acts as the trees pipeline for water, helping it move up to the tree’s leaves.

After the sapwood is the cambium cell layer. The cambium cell layer annually produces new barn and wood in response to auxins, the hormones which are passed down through the tree. Auxins stimulate growth in cells and are produced by leaf buds at the ends of a tree’s branches.

Next is the Phloem, or the inner bark, which acts as the pipeline for food. The Phloem only lives for a short time before turning to cork; this cork is part of the tree’s protective outer bark.

Lastly is the outer bark, which protects the tree from the outside world. This outermost later helps keep out moisture and prevents the tree from losing moisture; the outer bark also insulates against extreme temperatures.

Branches, Twigs and Leaves

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A tree’s branches and twigs spring out of the trunk and are the supportive structure for leaves, flowers and fruit. Through the process of photosynthesis, leaves make food for the tree and release oxygen into the air.

4 Fragrant Flowers to Add to Your Garden

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Create the perfect garden oasis in your backyard! Westchester County’s professional arborists, Westchester Tree Life are sharing 4 fragrant flowers to add to your garden this year. Once the breeze carries the sweet scent from your garden, you’re going to want to share your favorite fragrant flowers with your friends!

Dianthus

Dianthus Westchester Tree Life

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If you’re a gardening aficionado, you have definitely seen (or smelled) a bouquet of Dianthus! Dianthus grow pink, white or red and give off a spicy-sweet fragrance. Taller types of Dianthus are perfect for cutting, and include both annual and perennial types.

Gardenias

Gardenia Westchester Tree Life

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Both beautiful and fragrant, Gardenias are a lovely addition to your Westchester County garden! Gardenias are a beautiful shrub which Westchester Tree Life can assist you in caring for with a Plant Health Care Management Plan!

Oriental Lily

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Oriental Lily Westchester Tree Life

Oriental Lilies bloom mid-to-late summer and are eye-catching and beautiful. These sweet smelling flowers bloom in shades of pink, yellow and white. These will definitely be the talk of your garden!

Lily of the Valley

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Perfect for a beginner, Lily of the Valley requires little care and makes for a wonderfully fragrant groundcover! Lily of the Valley works beautifully as a potted plant as well.

American Dogwood Tree

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The American Dogwood Tree, Cornus Florida

The blooming of the American Dogwood tree is a tell-tale sign that spring has arrived. These trees reach a height of 30 feet at most, and produce white, pink or red bracts with a center of bright yellow flowers.

Once the heat of summer arrives, these beautiful blossoms give way to light green leaves; during Autumn, the foliage of American Dogwood trees turn a deep red before falling.

The Benefits of Planting an American Dogwood Tree

Visually appealing during all four seasons
Full leaves offer shade during the summer
A modest-sized tree

Caring for an American Dogwood Tree

The American Dogwood tree flourishes in partial sun, and prefers nutrient-rich, well-drained soil.

Dutch Elm Disease

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Elm trees are a great, beautiful variety of tree, but they’re vulnerable to something called Dutch Elm Disease which can cause unsightly patches on the tree, or even tree death.

Dutch Elm Disease is due to a fungus spread by the elm bark beetle, and is not limited to just any one kind of elm tree. Once a tree catches Dutch Elm Disease, the tree tries to block the affected area from spreading the fungus, but this process also cuts off parts of the tree from receiving water and nutrients, which slowly kills the tree. The disease originated in Asia, but has since spread to North America, Europe, as well as New Zealand due to the spread of the beetles that carry it.

So what are some symptoms of Dutch Elm Disease, and how can you prevent your elms from the disease altogether? The first sign that a tree may have become affected might be a barren branch or a branch with yellowing leaves towards the top of the tree during the summer or other times when leaves would not normally be turning their fall colors. This will spread throughout the rest of the branches and eventually reach the roots, which kills the entire tree.

If you can get diseased branches pruned from the rest of the tree before the fungus spreads, you may be able to save the rest of the tree. Don’t forget to burn any affected branches after they are removed so they don’t accidentally infect anything else.

If you think you have an elm tree that is being affected by Dutch Elm Disease and would like help containing the damage or removing the tree if too much damage is already done, contact us at here on our website, or call us at (914)238-0069

The International Society of Aboriculture

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Westchester Tree Life are proudly certified arborists of the International Society of Arboriculture! The International Society of Arbiculture promotes the professional practice of arboriculture through research, technology, and education. The ISA also fosters a greater worldwide awareness of the benefits of trees!

In 1924, a group of forty tree care professionals and enthusiasts gathered to discuss tree care problems and solutions; this group of individuals came to be known as The National Shade Tree Conference. Later, The National Shade Tree Conference would come to be known as The International Society of Aboriculture! The ISA continues to be one of the most dynamic groups of arborists dedicated to sharing experience and knowledge for the benefit of society.

Westchester Tree Life is certified by the ISA!

At Westchester Tree Life we aim to provide you with the utmost quality of tree care, and through the International Society of Aboriculture, we have access to the latest information regarding tree care! Our ISA credentials assist us in best explaining the high degree of knowledge of caring for and maintaining trees to our customers.

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As a service provider, Westchester Tree Life believes that certification from the International Society of Aboriculture gives our clients a sense of ease knowing that they are receiving quality care and assistance.

How To Spot A Dangerous Tree

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Knowing how to spot a dangerous tree may help prevent property damage or injury. A healthy, mature tree can account for a minimum of 10% of your property value. Westchester Tree Life is here to assist you in keeping your trees healthy and vibrant. Call Westchester Tree Life as soon as you spot a dangerous tree.

Here is our guide to explain how to spot a dangerous tree:

Spotting a dangerous tree can prevent injury and property damage.

1. Crown Symptoms: Dead Wood & Broken Branches

First, inspect your tree for dead wood. Dead wood, or dead branches, tend to be barren; if there are leaves on the dead branches, the leaves will be brown. If the branch has been dead for a long time, it will be stripped of it’s bark. Checking the “V” where your tree’s branches connect to the trunk for signs of weakness is also important when searching for dead wood.

2. Decay

Places on you tree’s trunk where there is no bark can indicate a dead section of the tree or a fungus attack. Once you have noticed that your tree has been affected by decay, call Westchester Tree Life to assess your tree’s health.

Mushroom-like fungal growth sitting on or near your tree’s trunk is an indication of decay. To determine if your tree is in danger of falling, or infected with decay, reach out to Westchester Tree Life’s Team of professional arborists!

3. Cracks & Divisions

Searching for cracks and divisions is a key when assessing your tree’s health. The entire tree is susceptible to breaking if there is a damaging enough crack in the trunk. A professional arborist is able to determine how extensive the damage is, and create a plan of action for your tree.

4. Root Problems

Your tree’s health begins in the foundation of the tree’s roots. A tree is held up and supported by anchoring roots, which are thick and large, while the smaller roots of the tree absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Ensuring your tree has a healthy root system is key in maintaining a healthy tree.

5. Leaning

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If your tree is leaning to one side, it may be a result of a root problem. If the anchoring roots are rotted, they may be lifting from the soil due to weakness.

Do you think you may have a dangerous tree around the vicinity of your home or business? Westchester Tree Life, located in Chappaqua, New York is here to help!

Call us today: (914) 238-0069