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Explore 5 fascinating facts about trees that will make you appreciate nature more
While we admire their beauty, appreciate their role in providing oxygen, and enjoy their fresh produce, there is so much more to trees than meets the eye. From their ancient origins to extraordinary survival techniques, this article highlights the fascinating facts about trees. Keep reading to uncover the hidden secrets of nature’s most magnificent creations.
Trees Act As Nature’s Compass
- Moss tends to grow on the shadier parts of trees. In the northern hemisphere, the least sunlight reaches the tree’s north side. This enables us to use moss as an indicator of the northern direction. Therefore, the side of the tree with the most moss growth is the way to the north. However, the opposite is true for the southern hemisphere.
In addition, determining the direction becomes even easier if you find a tree stump. The southern side of the tree gets the most sunlight, making the tree rings slightly thicker on that side compared to the northern side. You can rely on trees as your reliable guides when navigating through the forests by paying attention to the natural cues trees provide.
The Astonishing Survival Tactics Employed by Trees
- While trees are stationary and appear vulnerable, they have remarkable survival instincts that enable them to thrive in the natural world. These instincts play a significant role in a tree’s growth and reproductive process, ensuring continued existence. For instance, most trees can grow toward the sun to optimize their access to sunlight. This instinct allows them to produce maximum energy and sustain their growth.
In addition, it can store food and seeds efficiently to ensure a steady supply of nutrients for growth and survival during challenging times. Moreover, some trees have developed an exceptional defense mechanism against insects. They produce chemicals that act as natural insecticides, combating potential threats.
Trees Can Share Nutrients And Memories
- An extraordinary symbiotic relationship exists between most trees and mycorrhizal fungi that reside on their roots. Fungi gather food from the soil and help absorb additional nutrients and water from trees. In addition, the fungi establish connections between nearby trees, creating a huge underground communication network. Trees share vital information through this network to protect themselves and their offspring.
Moreover, trees have an astonishing ability to retain memories from past decades or even centuries. Trees pass the information encoded in their DNA to future generations, enabling offspring to protect themselves in varying climates and environmental conditions.
Tree Roots’ Can Thrive in Challenging Environments
- Although tree roots lie in shallow depths in the top 18 inches of soil, they are incredibly resilient and can adapt to hostile environments without compromising their lateral growth. Trees have developed fascinating strategies in their quest for survival.
For instance, certain species produce hanging roots extending from their branches downwards. Known as aerial or prop roots, these roots provide additional support to the tree’s overground mass. This helps keep them stable in dense forests or areas prone to strong winds.
Trees Help In Crime Reduction and Stress Relief
Trees have a crucial role in human life and impact our well-being. For example, the presence of trees helps reduce stress levels and crime rates in communities as their aesthetic appeal can create a calming environment. Studies show that neighborhoods with more trees experience lower crime rates. In addition, trees enhance property value, as well-landscaped properties see an average increase in value of around 10%.
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