How does a tree grow? Hint: it's not what you think!
Channel: BeLEAF It or Not!
Date: 2019-06-24

How do trees grow?  The answer may surprise you. Photosynthesis and respiration produce wood, and all the other parts of a tree.  Twigs and roots elongate from growth tissue at the tips, and grow wider from growth tissue under the bark.  These special tissues are meristematic tissues.  In diameter, a tree will grow TWO rings each year.  The lighter-colored ring is formed in the spring, followed by a darker-colored ring (usually narrower) grown in the summer.  Height growth in most conifers is called “determinate” growth, as a single main leader dominates.  Hardwoods (broad-leaved trees) don’t have a single main leader.  This is called “indeterminant” growth.