The science of trees
Trees are beautiful, resilient and utterly fascinating. From their seasonal changes to the wildlife they support, there's so much to learn about our leafy neighbours.
Trees in a Bristol Park by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
What do trees do for us?
So much, but our relationship with them goes beyond a cost-benefit analysis. They provide oxygen for us to breathe as well as vital food, fuel, construction material, refuge and relaxation. Without trees, life as we know it would be unimaginably different.
Ancient Woodland in the Forest of Dean by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
Telling the history of a landscape
Here in the Forest of Dean, ancient lime and yew trees cling onto rocks quarried by Iron Age and Roman settlers. They offer a glimpse of a late prehistoric world nearly two millennia ago. Undisturbed, these amazing trees prove that nature will always find a way.
Ornamental Cherry by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
Breeding for beauty
Spectacular ornamental cherries, have been cultivated in Japan for over a thousand years and are now grown around the world. Millions of people enjoy stunning displays of blossom each spring. In Japan this custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers is known as 'hanami'.
Autumnal Lime Tree by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
A burst of autumn colour
Every autumn we are treated to a dazzling display of colour as deciduous trees reabsorb the chlorophyll from their leaves, revealing other colourful pigments. Warm days and cold nights are needed for the best displays and so the colours of autumn may change as the climate warms.
Bluebell Woods by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
Beauty on the forest floor
Britain's woods are home to nearly 50% of the global population of our native bluebell. Flowering in early spring, they create a beautiful blue carpet which is often found beneath the canopy of beech trees. They are enjoyed by early pollinators such as bees and hoverflies.
Oak Trees in Winter by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
An altered landscape
Leafless deciduous trees can often be overlooked in winter months without their vibrant foliage. But look closely and we have a unique opportunity to observe the true form of a tree, in all its striking glory. Add snow, and you have something really magical.
Fungus in Beech Wood by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
Hidden relationships in our woodlands
The relationship between fungi and trees is almost co-dependent. Underground fungal networks, known as mycelia, allow trees to communicate and exchange nutrients with one another. Fungi are also crucial to breaking down dead wood to replenish soil nutrients for the next generation of trees.
Devon Whitebeam by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
Rare species
This rare native Devon whitebeam is found exclusively in the county and often grows along hedgerows. Devon has some of the oldest and most bio-rich hedgerows in the world, providing food in the form of berries and crucial wildlife highways that allow species to flourish.
Beech Tree Roots by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
Adaptation and survival
This striking root display was caused by a river eroding the tree’s supporting soil. However trees, like all living things, have an innate instinct to adapt and survive, which is what caused this root system to journey downward like straws and adapt to a difficult situation.
Oak Roller Moth On an English Oak by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
The impact of pests and diseases
Pests and diseases are part of the life of many trees. One of these is the oak leaf roller moth, which plagues oak trees. These insects lay eggs that hatch in spring, just in time for the caterpillar to eat newly developing leaves. This defoliation can be damaging, but rarely fatal.
Dutch Elm Disease by Jon StokesThe Tree Council
A species under threat
Dutch elm disease is caused by a fungus carried by elm beetles. Their larvae grow under the bark of the tree and leave distinctive 'feeding galleries' as they search for food.
The fungi block the elm tree’s ability to transport water, often causing it to fail. It is thought that over 30 million elm trees have been lost in Britain since the 1960s.
Caledonion Forest by Adrian HoustonThe Tree Council
There's more to explore
The science of trees is complex and fascinating, and there is still so much to learn. Find out more about trees and The Tree Council's science and research work here.
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