Seeds come in many shapes and sizes and planting them is the first step in a tree's life cycle. For germination to occur, the seed needs water, oxygen, and the right temperature in order to sprout roots and a shoot. As the tree grows, it develops a trunk, branches, leaves, and other parts. Leaves perform photosynthesis to make food for the tree using carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight. Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil to support the tree.
2. The Seed Seeds can come in many different shapes, sizes, and even colors. Planting the seed is the first step in the life cycle of a tree. It is important to pick the right spot to plant your seed.
3. Seeds to Trees Bitternut Hickory Seed and Tree Kentucky Coffee Seeds and Tree (Images from: cirrusimage.com troymi.gov http://www.fillmoreswcd.org/Seed_pics.htm)
4. Germination Healthy trees have to go through germination. Germination is when the tree begins growing out of the seed. The seed needs water, oxygen and the right temperature. First the roots will begin to grow. Then the shoot will begin to stick up from the soil. (Image from: secretlives.wordpress.com) It might take a while so be patient!
5. Poor Germination (Image from: dacnet.nic.in) Poor germination is when the plant or the seed is damaged. Overwatering can cause the plant to die. Planting the seed to deep can cause it to die. Sometimes the seeds are too hard and the water can’t get in.
6. Water Water is very important to a tree. Watering a seed is very important but overwatering it can kill it. You can check your soil by putting your finger an inch in it, if it feels dry then you can water it. It is important to use a watering can. Trees will take in the water from their roots and once they grow the water will also go in through the leaves.
7. What is Soil? Soil is not just plain old dirt. Soil is made up of living and non-living things. Soil is made up of rocks, water, air, and leaves. It provides all the nutrients a plant needs to grow. (Image from: harvestwizard.com)
8. The Growing Begins (Image from: ottawahort.org) The stem of the tree will start to get harder. The branches will start to show. Leaves will begin to grow. It will start looking more and more like a tree.
9. Parts of a Tree Parts of the tree include: The trunk Leaves Roots Branches Stems & Buds. (Image from: blog.growingwithscience.com)
10. The Tree Trunk The trunk is the main stem of the tree. It supports the tree. Branches grow from the trunk. The trunk is covered in bark. Bark is hard and protects the tree. (Image from: malcolmxpark.org)
11. Inside the Trunk The inside of the trunk can tell a lot about the tree. If you chop a tree over the inside of the tree will have rings. These rings can tell the age of the tree, different seasons, and scars from major disasters. (Image from: serc.carleton.edu)
12. Leaves Leaves are very important to any plant. Leaves are natures “food factories” They make food for the trees to live off of. Leaves can come in many different colors and shapes. Making food for the trees is the job of the leaf. Photosynthesis takes place in the leaf.
13. What is Photosynthesis? Photosynthesis is the process of making food for the plant. Step 1: Plants take in water and a gas called carbon dioxide. Step 2: The plant uses the sun to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. (Glucose is a type of sugar plants need for food & energy) Step 3: The plant gives off oxygen. (Image from: sciencemadesimple.com/leaves.html)
14. More About Leaves When fall arrives the sun isn’t out as much and days are shorter. Without the sun the leaves can’t do their job of making food. Chlorophyll is what makes the leaves green. Chlorophyll also helps photosynthesis happen. Since the sun isn’t out as much the chlorophyll begins to fade away and the leaves start to die. Before the leaves fall we get to see their beautiful colors
15. Leaves of All Colors Leaves can be shades of red, green, yellow, orange and even purple. (Image from: pcc_stationery.homestead.com) (Image from: greenerloudoun.wordpress.com) (Image from: highhamptoninn.com)
16. Roots Roots are very important to the tree. They are the anchor and support of the tree. They absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Roots can run very deep into the ground.
17. Branches & Stems The branch is connected to the trunk. Branches are important because the stems grow off of them. Branches can be big or small. Stems support the leaves. They are usually divided. The stem can store nutrients for the tree. It can also transport fluids from one place in the tree to another Branches Stems
18. Tree Buds Buds can look many different ways. The bud is where a flower or fruit will start growing. Buds start to show up in the Spring or Summer. (Image from: nhfruitgrowers.org) Apple Buds!
19. More Facts About Trees Trees can grow as fast as an inch a day or take many years to grow. Trees offer fruits, medicines, and other valuable things. The tallest tree was recorded to be 500 feet tall. Christmas trees can take up to 15 years to grow!
