One of the most important aspects of working with wood, of being a carpenter, is having a basic understanding of the material that we all work with - wood. Not only do we need to be able to identify the timber types that we are working with, we also need to be able to judge accurately how certain wood will respond to the different processes such as cutting or bending, nailing or screwing, gluing and sealing. These processes, and how they affect the timber, will largely depend on the structural properties of the wood and the plant it has come from. Here's a basic rundown of the component parts of a tree.
There are three main component parts to each tree. First there is the root system, second the trunk or stem and third the crown. These are the most obvious parts of any tree, whether the tree is broad-leaved or coniferous.
The Root System
Any tree is rooted firmly to the ground by the root system. Often the root system below the surface will take up more space than the actual visible part of the plant above the surface. Of course, the size and spread of the root system is going to depend entirely on the species and age of the tree. The overall security and health of the tree is largely dependent on a good root structure. Tiny hairs on the roots supply all the water and minerals that the tree needs and form the sap.
The Trunk or Stem
The trunk or stem is the largest portion of the whole tree that you see. It is the part of the tree, which when cut provides most of the timber from the logs or boules. The stem transports sap from the roots of the tree, it also transports all the nutrients and water needs of the tree, as well as supporting the crown.
The Crown
The crown consists of all the branches and twigs that in turn support all the leaves. They are the lifeline of the leaves. In botanical language, the crown consists of the totality of what you see of a plant above the ground, including the stem, but only the upper layers with a tree.
The growth and life of a tree begins like any other plant, with a seedling. The difference is that if the seedling survives, it will grow into a sapling and with any luck into one of the largest plants on the planet. Although trees sometimes take up to a hundred years to mature, it is possible to ensure a continuous supply.
