Have you ever wondered how and why trees grow? If you’re a property owner who hosts trees, you’ve probably wondered how they sustain themselves or what you could do to help them grow more successfully.
Fortunately, experts like those you’ll work with at North Eastern Tree, Shrub, and Lawn Care can help. We provide knowledgeable, reliable tree care in Chappaqua. In this blog, we talk about how trees grow, what nutrients trees need to thrive, and why trusting the nutrient planning of your property’s trees to seasoned professionals will give you the best results.
For more information about who we are here at North Eastern Tree, Shrub, and Lawn Care, keep browsing our website or request your free consultation today.
How Trees Grow
How Root Structures Form
Trees have evolved to grow complex root systems that act both as physical support structures for the tree as well as avenues for the tree to absorb water and mineral content needed for growth. Depending on the tree species in question, roots also serve as defence devices for trees, energy storage, reproduction, and other uses.
In the initial growth stages, trees form a taproot that travels directly downward. Then, in the span of just a few weeks, lateral roots begin to grow out from the sides of the taproot, spreading horizontally through the top, most aerated layers of soil.
In most trees, taproots eventually wither while lateral roots remain. These roots expand and harden over time, forming the knotting tree roots with which most people are familiar. Some species of tree develop roots that erupt from soil intentionally to collect more oxygen for the tree’s growth.
What Tree Roots Do
In soil, tree roots interact with specific components of fungi that “live” in the ground. This mutualistic relationship provides the tree with much-need minerals and protection against predators and certain pathogens. Fungi also accumulate heavy metals, protecting trees from pollution.
Once tree roots absorb nutrients, these structures transport water and other vital minerals up into the trunk of the tree. From there, food or water moves upward, and the trunk uses these essential components to grow bark and extend itself, raising the tree’s canopy to maximize nutrient absorption from sunlight, rain, etc.
What Nutrients Do Trees Need?
So what nutrients do trees depend on from their soil and surroundings? In truth, the right mix of minerals, nutrients, water, and sunlight changes from tree to tree. However, most trees depend on the same core macronutrients to survive.
Nutrients most trees need to thrive include:
- Potassium
- Nitrogen
- Phosphorous
- Chlorine
- Manganese
- Zinc
- Copper
- Boron
- Molybdenum
- Nickel
- Iron
- And more
Each type of nutrient deficiency presents with different symptoms. Trained arborists and tree care experts can identify these symptoms quickly, providing timely care critical for the health of your property’s trees.
Why Professional Tree Care Works Best
If you’ve learned things while reading this blog post, you can probably understand why hiring a professional tree care service makes sense.
Trees use a complex network of roots, branches, leaves, and chemical reactions to absorb nutrients and grow. Even minor nutrient imbalances can negatively impact a tree’s growth, putting it at risk for damage, disease, or death.
Certified tree experts care for trees from the roots to the leaves. They understand what trees need most at all stages in their lifecycle. Allowing these professionals to care for your property’s trees gives them their best shot at survival.
Find Expert Tree Guidance in Chappaqua
Now that you know more about tree nutrients, learn the signs of a diseased tree trunk and more by browsing our blog. To get quality tree services for your property now, schedule your consultation with North Eastern Tree, Shrub, and Lawn Care today. Call 888-439-8733 now.
