The Bark Structure of a Tree

The outer protective covering tree trunks is the bark. The bark is a useful characteristic for tree identification because the form and structure differs greatly from tree to tree.

The bark has two layers:
Outer Bark- It is made up of dead cells which is usually thick.
Inner Bark- It is also called as the phloem which is made up of a thin layer of living cells. The cells have thin walls which allows water and nutrients to pass in the tree.

The Root Structure of a Tree

The roots have many specialized components. There is the tiny structure extending from the main root stems called root hair. The root hair has thin walls that absorbs water and minerals. The mineral solution is then passed into the vascular core of the root. The root cap is a protective structure at the tip of the root.

It is a fact that there are different root systems of different trees. For example, the pine has a strong central root called taproot. On the other hand, the maple tree do not have a dominant taproot. The root is characterized by a large number of roots closer to the surface.

The Leaves of a Tree

The leaves is very vital part of the tree because they produce sugars and allow the distribution of water.

Sugar is produced by photosynthesis, which is a process by which carbon dioxide and water are combined with sunlight and the so-called chlorophyll. The sugar then gives energy to the tree.

Water loss or transpiration also takes place in the leaf. Why? Water is drawn up from the roots through the vascular system in order to replace the lost moisture in the tree.

Structure of a Tree

The leaves, bark, and roots are the main structure of a tree.

The Leaves:
As we have learned from elementary school, the leaves convert carbon dioxide into oxygen to provide the tree with energy to grow and fight any diseases.

The Roots:
The roots are the means to take up water and minerals. They provide structural stability to the tree.

The Bark:
It is the outer protective covering of the tree trunks. Well, we have seen different form and structure of a bark.

The image above is taken from infovisual.info. Thank you.

Pruning: Maintaining Palm

Why pruning is done on palms? It is done to remove dead or dying fronds and fruiting clusters. It is usually done on yearly basis. As often as three to six months, coconuts are pruned in tropical climates.

When pruning, palm should treat nutrient deficiencies because pruning nutrient deficient palms could cause symptoms to appear in remaining foliage. Take note also that over pruning palms can cause slower growth and may attract more pests.

Palms Diseases and Pests

You probably have the idea that palms are also susceptible to infections by viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and to infestation by insects and other pests as well. Infectious agents and pests vary widely by region and country. However, worry no more because there are university extension services, consulting arborist, or Plant Health Care specialist familiar with palms in your area that may be able to provide a diagnosis and suggestions for treatment.

Mulching: Maintaining Palm

Did you know that organic mulches are beneficial to palms as they are to trees? Proper mulching is by applying 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch around a palm at a distance of 2 to 4 feet. Remember to keep mulch away from the trunk. Mulch can reduce the likelihood of damage from string trimmers or lawn mowers.

Maintaining Palm: Fertilizers

We all know that different trees nutritional requirements vary from other plants. For palms, there are specially formulated palm fertilizers that are available in the market. These fertilizers help prevent nutritional deficiencies. You should also know that improper fertilization can lead to problems such as magnesium deficiency (which leads to yellowing fronds), iron deficiency (which leads to yellowing young fronds, green mature fronds), manganese deficiency, particularly in alkaline soils (yellowed, frizzled young fronds), and zinc deficiency (small fronds).

How To Plant Palms?

Here are some tips to planting palm. First thing to consider is to protect the terminal bud in order to avoid damaging or killing the palm. Extra protection should be given to the terminal bud of the palm especially when transporting the palm because excessive vibration may crack the bud. During transport and installation, containerized palms should have their fronds tied together. And prior to transport, dead or dying fronds should be removed.

In order to allow room for backfilling soil around the root ball, the planting hole for palm should be large enough. Always plant the palm at the same depth as it was originally grown. And take note that planting too deeply may lead to manganese or iron deficiencies. Likewise, planting too high may cause the palm to blow over and expose the root initiation zone to air.

The best soil for palms is sand or loamy sand soils. This provides aeration for the roots and adequate drainage.

Palm Quality

If the palm has a root ball extending from about 8 inches to 2 feet beyond the trunk for palms less than 16 feet tall, a palm trunk free of mechanical wounds and/or wounds from incorrect pruning, a full crown of healthy, vigorous fronds, and a uniform trunk diameter, then the pal is high quality. However, if the palm has trunk selections of varying diameter or small diameter below the terminal bud, a trunk with wounds from mechanical impacts or incorrect pruning, and few fronds, poor color for the species, or pest infestation, then the palm is low quality.

Palm Selection

In selecting palm is like those for selecting trees. Here are some of the factors to be considered in selecting a palm. These are questions that will help you choose the right tree for the right place.

1. Why plant palm? Is it for your landscape?
2. What is the size and location of the soil or planting site? Is it large, medium, or small palm? Are there any other trees in the planting site?
3. What is your soil condition? Is the soil deep, fertile, and well drained, or is it shallow, compacted, and infertile?
4. How much maintenance are you willing to provide?

Palms

Palms are considered as trees although they are botanically different. If you observed their growth, appearance, and care is different from trees. As you can see, palms have a single truck (like coconuts) although some grow as clustering or clumping palms (like fishtails).

We can locate palm’s single growing point at the top of its truck. And this point is called the terminal bud. The palm may die of the terminal bud is injured. Unlike those trees, the roots of the palm do not thicken. Thus, palms are less likely to damage sidewalk and utilities. Palms do grow in well-watered zones. They can enhance many landscapes if they are handled with proper care.

Types of Roots on Trees

You probably observed that there are three types of roots on trees for sale.
1. Bare Root: It is usually can be seen on small trees. Bare root means no soil.
2. Root Balled: The root ball maybe located in a wire basket. The root in soil is held in place by burlap or some other fabric.
3. Container Grown: The roots and the soil is in a container.

Determining the Tree Quality

What determines tree quality? If your trees have enough sound roots to support healthy growth, a trunk free of mechanical wounds and wounds from incorrect pruning, and a strong form with well-spaced, firmly attached branches, then your trees is high quality one. If your trees have a crushed or circling roots in a small root ball or small container, a trunk with wounds from mechanical impacts or incorrect pruning, and a weak form in which multiple stems squeeze against each other or branches squeeze against the trunk, then your trees is low quality one.

Caring For Trees

We all know that baby trees should be looked some years after planting. We need to check them because growing trees need nutrients, water, sunlight and room to grow. We can help by watering, weeding, adding compost to the soil and mulch to the tree bases, and by protecting the trees from animals and the weather. You should also create a schedule of planting and maintenance tasks.