Tree Life Cycles

Like other living organisms, trees grow and change form as time progresses. Some people have difficulty calling seedlings “trees” because they are look so little like a “Tree”. However, the forms that trees take are dependent on many factors. Here is a short list of factors that have influence on the form a tree takes.

Factors that affect form in a tree:

• Species – Different tree species vary in size and form from very large to small and straight to twisted. Those species that grow large, straight trunks tend to be the species most used by forest products industries.
  
• Habitat – Soil depth, texture and fertility, exposure to sun and water availability during the growing season are very important factors that determine tree form. The length of the growing season is also very important.
  
• Environmental Factors – Local climatic factors such as prevailing winds, salt spray, animal browse pressure, etc. can cause adverse forms in trees.

Web Links:

American Forests National Register of Big Trees – Browse through the biggest specimens of more than 100 tree species in the United States. Notice the lists of state champions and the form of these champions.

Methuselah Tree at Nova – A web page about the oldest living thing, the Bristlecone pines of California.

Washington Native Plant Society Alpine Ecosystem – A short explanation of the environment trees face at high altitude.