In an urban setting, we rake leaves and remove decaying matter as soon as possible. Urban life is much different for a tree than life in the woods. In a forest, nature has order. Food, water and living space are earned. Survival of the fittest is the rule.
Some saplings wither and die under the canopy of large established trees.
Others continue their daily push to reach sunlight. In a Georgia forest, dogwoods grow as they were meant, as an understory tree. In urban reality, dogwoods grow in parking islands. Survival depends on healing wounds quickly and not giving in to the stress caused by nutrient deficient soils, drought, and increased heat. Some important tree terms Learning a little about trees can help prolong their lives in a big way.