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Much of what makes a tree is the basic structure and form.  The crown (leaves) does the photosynthesis.  The trunk provides advantageous height to the crown and transports food and fluids.  The roots provide stability and absorb water and nutrients.  Single stems (trunks) and at least 30 feet in height, at maturity, often defines a “tree”.

Major Points

• Trees have three main collections of parts.
• The crown collects light and converts light energy to chemical energy (photosythesis).
• The roots serve as nutrient storage, and collect water, nutrients, and minerals (with the help of mycorrhizae).
• The trunks puts the crown up as high as possible and transports materials between the roots and the crown.
• Michigan Forests Forever - Tree Physiology.
• More about Michigan Tree Basics.

Trees live across a wide range of environmental conditions.  Their characteristic form defines a "forest" and adds many values, both monetary and non-monetary, to our urban and residential landscapes.  Palms and tree ferns resemble trees, but lack the woody tissue and structure that helps define a "tree".   

Trees are some of the most majestic and awe-inspiring organisms on Earth, such the giant redwoods and tropical high forests.  However, all trees trees have a tiny start as a new seedling.  Most trees fail to survive their first year.  But those that manage to live closer to their particular lifespan provide a nearly unending array of products and services.  

BeLeaf It or Not!  Video Production The purpose for these videos is to INTRODUCE a few concepts for each episode topic.  They are meant to be light-hearted and entertaining.   Yet, the intention is to have both feet on solid science ground (biological, economic, social, et al.).  We acknowledge that many of the topics are introduced or reinforced in school curricula at the fourth through seventh grades.  So, these students, and their teachers, are the primary target audience.  All of these topics can be more fully explored within the classroom setting or, in some case, be explored IN THE WOODS!  With this in mind, these support pages are embedded into the Michigan Forests Forever website, which already houses a wide range of information about Michigan forests, designed for use by teachers. This entire project cost about $100,000.  No small amount, of course.  The primary authors were Bill Cook, Georgia Peterson, and James Ford.  Additionally, most of the episode scripts were either drafted and/or reviewed by cooperating foresters, biologists, teachers, and other experts.  If you're curious about who produced these videos, visit the "credits" page.

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