Tree Trunks and Roots in Candler, NC
The trunk of the tree is separated into several different sections. The first is the outer bark; this part is always grown from the inside out. Its purpose is to hold moisture inside the tree during hot climates, and to keep unneeded moisture out during rain. Furthermore, the trunk acts as armor from predators, pests, and disease. The second part is the inner bark; this is the pathway that handles transportation of food throughout the tree. The part of the trunk that grows is called the cambium cell layer. This section of the tree takes in the traits of the 4 seasons and uses them to create new outer bark layers throughout the year. The tunnels used by the trunk to transport water are called sapwood.
The main foundation of the tree is called heartwood. What’s interesting is that heartwood is a dead section of the tree; it is protected by the outer bark so that it does not decay. The tree roots are found in the first 2-3 feet of the soil. As trees grow, so will their roots. The roots can grow anywhere from 2-5 times the size of the trees crown. The purposes of the roots are to take in water, nutrients, and minerals and manage them. The roots will also store some of the nutrients it takes in for non-dormant times like the winter.