Tree Anatom

Anatomy: DEFINING TREES & FORMS

tomy:
Dr. Kim D. Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care, Warnell School, UGA

Tree anatomy and morphology represent how a tree stands against wind and gravity, (Figure 1) as
well as how it functions and how it looks. Understanding trees requires the discipline of learning and
using basic scientific and botanical terms.
Tree anatomy can be as simple as crown, stem, and roots. Some people delve deeper to know
leaf shapes, wood architecture names, and root forms. How much tree anatomy should a professional
tree health care provider know about trees? Some just want a simple short version – just the facts, while
others want excruciating minutia. For most tree specialists, knowing visible tree parts and their
scientific names is a mark of a good professional. A professional should be able to discuss tree life in a
precise and accurate way using proper terms for field observed (macroscopic) items.
Tree anatomy is the study of structural components and their interactions. Tree morphology is
the study of external shape, form, and structure. This work covers tree anatomy and morphology
targeted at professional tree health care providers. Here, concentration on tree anatomy is focused upon
macroscopic (as seen in the field) components.

A Tree
In general terms, a tree is a perennial woody plant with four main structural components – a
stem, leaves, roots, and tricombes. Different terms for trees and tree-forms have included: dendron = a
tree; diplocaulescent = a main axis with branches; dendroid = a plant with a tall erect main axis and
many branches; arborescent = any tree-like form; phanerogamae = ancient term for Gymnosperms and
Angiosperms (Spermatophyta) tree forms; and, phanerophyte = a tree form with its resting buds
positioned well above the soil surface on a stem and branches which are open to the environment.
Phanerophytes are broken into three primary main axis height forms: Figure 2.

1) megaphanerophyte is a tree form over 99 feet (30m) tall;

2) mesophanerophyte is a tree form with height between 98feet (30m)
and 26feet (8m); and,
3) microphanerophyte is a tree form with height between 25feet (8m) and
6.5feet (2m). This definition represents single stem and multistem
shrubs, trees, and tree forms.

Defined Tree
To more accurately define a tree in the field, a number of definitions were polled from a variety
of sources used by professionals and the public. Defining terms used here for trees were derived from
multiple sources in the Eastern and South-central United States. Terms describing a tree were collected
which included 155 unique descriptors within 45 different definitions. Definitions were taken from legal
dictionaries and tree ordinances, botanical / ecological texts and glossaries, and general dictionaries.
Figure 3 provides a summary.
The word “tree” is defined (accounting for 50% of all descriptors used) with three general terms
– woody plant with a single stem. An additional three terms are used to further define and clarify a tree
accounting for 30% of all descriptors. The most common six descriptors brings a total of 80% of all
descriptors used for trees, including some height component, branching, and a perennial nature. Other
 tree crown

WIND

tree
tree stem

center
of
gravity

root
plate
transport &
absorbing
roots
GRAVITY

Figure 1: Simplified view of wind loading and gravity

acting to rotate a tree out of a soil as a combined
load wheel.
Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 2
 tree
height
(feet)
120
maximum
height
minimum
height

100

megaphanerophyte

microphanerophyte
mesophanerophyte
80

60

40

20

Figure 2: Height ranges of three main phanerophytes

height forms. (mega-, meso-, & micro- phanerophytes)

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 3

 descriptor total cumulative

plant 20% 20%

woody 16% 36%
single stem 14% 50%
tall / height 13% 63%
branched 9% 72%
perennial 8% 80%
girth / diameter 7% 87%
elevated crown 4% 91%
distinct crown 3% 94%
self-supporting
stem & branches 3% 97%
lower stem without
branches 2% 99%
erect / upright stem 1% 100%

Figure 3: Individual components of tree definitions

taken from 45 individual definitions and
155 unique descriptors.

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 4

terms were used less frequently to further define a tree. From all these descriptors, a master definition
has been crafted:

“A tree is a large, tall, woody, perennial plant with a single, unbranched, erect,
self-supporting stem holding an elevated and distinct crown of branches with a
total height greater than 10 feet and a diameter greater than 3 inches.””

Within this definition are height and diameter values used as minimum average values across multiple
definitions, when specified at all.

Basic Forms
Beyond defining trees as a whole, there are many terms used by professionals and the public for
primary tree parts above ground. For example, trunk, bole and stem tend to be used interchangeably by
people discussing trees. There are some subtle professional differences among these concepts.
A tree trunk is considered the upright, massive main stem or main vertical axis of tree. A tree
bole is a portion of the stem or trunk of a tree of such size from which lumber can be cut. A tree stem is
the supporting axis bearing a living crown composed of tapering, overlapping columns of wood
increments. Definition and word use varies by background of an observer and location across the
continent.

Sub-Division
A technical term for branching is ramify, which means to subdivide (branch off of) an axis. The
primary subdivisions of a stem which generate secondary growth (growth in girth or circumference) have
been called by various names. A bough is any large division of the stem axis. A limb is a primary
division of a stem or bough which bears foliage.
A branch is a large, medium, or small division of the main axis of the stem or another branch,
equal to or greater than four (4) years (or full growing seasons) of age. As tree parts above ground are
further divided, branchlets and twigs are defined. A branchlet is a small division of a branch equal to 2-3
years (or full growing seasons) of age. A twig is the current or most recent growing season’s apical
extension growth. Figure 4. A sprig is a portion of a twig.

Elongation Organization
Twigs, branchlets, and branches can be divided into two fundamental structural componenets –
nodes and internodes. As with the children’s building toy called TinkerToys (TM), there are elongated
sticks (internodes) which separate round multi-connections (nodes). Figure 5. In trees, a node ( a part of
a circumferential nodal torus -- Figure 6 ) is a zone perpendicular to the long axis of a stem, branch,
branchlet, or twig where vascular connections are diverted to support axillary buds, leaves, and
elongating shoots / twigs (a vascular confluence zone). Figure 7. An internode is an elongated shoot
segment between nodes.
Trees are modular and segmented with an internode and node making one structural unit –
sometime termed a shoot. Figure 8. Without nodes, internode elongation would stop, and without
internodes, nodes would pile-up and smother each other. Defensive capabilities in above ground tree
tissues are concentrated within nodes.

Tree Crowns
In defining trees and tree forms, total above ground size, stem and crown shape, and crown
composition (number of branches, branchlets, and twigs, and their relative positions) are key. A few

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 5

 1234567890
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TWIG
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years 2-3
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BRANCH
year 4+

Figure 4: Defining twig, branchlet, branch by position & age.

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 6

 NODE
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NODE
Figure 5: Modular growth system of nodes
and internodes in trees.

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 7

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petiole

axillary
stipular bud
scar
node
area
nodal
torus
area

Figure 6: Node and nodal torus locations on twig.

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 8
 bud
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te 12
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od od
e e

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in
te node
rn
od
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node
Figure 7: Diagram of a twig with five nodes (dotted lines
across twig) and four internode areas identified along
a short length.
Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 9
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A
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INTERNODE

Figure 8: Defining a non-terminal shoot, module, phytomer,

or metamer (one modular twig segement). A terminal
shoot would also contain an apical growing point.
Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 10
terms help better define crown components. A leader is the upper-most portion of the main axis of a
tree. Polycormic describes a tree with several strong vertical axises.
The crown of a tree is the upper portion of main axis (stem) bearing live branches and foliage.
The shape of a crown is fashioned by branch growth rates. The terms for branch elongation setting
crown shape are: acrotony where upper branches elongate most; mesotony where the middle branches
elongate most; and, basitony where lower branches elongate most. Figure 9
The elongation of twigs is usually generically divided into long shoots where internode growth is
allowed to elongate; short shoots where internode growth is constrained (but not completely stopped) in
elongation; and, spur shoots where internodes elongate only slightly. Orientation of twig, branchlet, and
branch growth is divided between orthotropic shoots which have a vertical growth habit and
plagiotrophic shoots which approach a horizontal growth habit. Figure 10.

Tree Forms & Shapes

Tree form plants can be divided into five general shapes based upon where the crown is located
above the ground. Figure 11.

— Abcurrent tree forms have an aerial terminal bud and leaves (palm-like).
— Adcurrent tree forms have basal buds and leaves (ground hugging yucca-like).
— Bicurrent tree forms have irregular forked branching usually with thick green stems
(catus-like).
— Decurrent (deliquescent) tree forms have many dominant branches with a spreading
crown form caused by lateral branches growing at similar rates as the main axis terminal
(leader), or the terminal continues to die with lateral branches rebranching continuously
(so no one central axis develops, but many spreading branches).
— Excurrent tree form has a single dominant axis (leader) and forms a conical shaped crown
as the terminal elongates more annually than lateral branches (a distinct main axis and
many short secondary branches.

Tree crown shape have been described in many ways and represent many shapes. Crown shape
descriptions represent both an outward crown appearance and an internal branching form. Figure 12.
Some generic side-view shapes are given in Figure 13. Another way to describe tree crown shape,
lateral area, wind drag, and volume is by using solid geometric shape descriptors. Figure 14 provides the
10 general crown shape forms with relative side area, crown volume, and drag for each. Figure 15
shows the shape outlines of these crown forms from the side.

Crown Ratios
The size of a tree crown can be estimated using linear, area, or volume measures. One simple
measure commonly used to describe tree crowns, and tree health and structural attributes, is live crown
ratio. Live crown ratio is the proportion of total tree height along the main axis which carries living
branches with foliage. Stem and basal sprouts are not included in this measure. The total vertical linear
height of the live branch area along the main stem is divided by total tree height. The result is a decimal
percentage which is live crown ratio. Figure 16.

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 11

 acrotony mesotony basitony
upper branches middle branches lower branches
elongate most elongate most elongate most
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Figure 9: Branch elongation forms

which determine crown shape.

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 12

 orthotropic
shoots
vertical growth habit

plagiotrophic
shoots
horizontal growth habit

Figure 10: Orientation of twig, branchlet, and branch growth.

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 13
 bicurrent decurrent excurrent

adcurrent abcurrent

Figure 11: Five primary crown architectures

found in tree-form plants.

Bicurrent = irregular, forked, thick green stems (cactus-like);

Adcurrent = basal buds & leaves (ground yucca types);
Decurrent or deliquescent = many dominant branches, spreading form;
Abcurrent = aerial terminal bud & leaves (palm-like);
Excurrent = single dominant leader, conical form.

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 14

 Common Descriptions of
Crown Shape &
Branching Form

pyramidal
conical
spindle / columnar
fastigiate
ellipsoidal
ovoid
globose / circular
broad
vase
umbrella
irregular
weeping

Figure 12: Terms describing common tree crown

shapes and branching habits.

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 15

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pyramidal conical columnar
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spreading round
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broad ovoid ellipsoidal
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weeping umbrella vase

Figure 13: Common tree crown shape descriptions.

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 16

 relative / proportional

lateral crown
geometric shape area volume drag

square / cylinder 1.0 0.8 1.0

round edge cylinder 0.9 0.7 0.84
elongated spheroid 0.8 0.6 0.68
spheroid 0.7 0.5 0.53
expanded paraboid 0.6 0.5 0.54

paraboloid 0.5 0.4 0.42

fat cone 0.4 0.3 0.29
cone 0.3 0.25 0.17
neiloid 0.2 0.2 0.08
thin neiloid 0.1 0.1 0.01

Figure 14: Tree crown geometric shape descriptors and

relative or proportional lateral (frontal) view area,
crown volume, and solid shape drag.
(drag value based upon drag of a solid cube = 1.27).

Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 17

 ID
CYLINDER

LO
BO
A=0.79

RA
V=1.0 A=0.39

PA
V=0.5

DGE Figure 15:

D-E R FAT
DE DE Idealized side view of
N LIN CONE
U Y different tree crown
RO C A=0.30
A=0.69 shapes. All shapes
V=0.4
V=0.9 have circular cross-
sections, or are round
when viewed from
ELONGATED above. Shape names,
SPHEROID
relative crown area (A),
CONE
A=0.59 and crown volume (V)
V=0.8 A=0.26
values provided. V=0.3

SPHEROID NEILOID

A=0.52
V=0.7
A=0.20
V=0.2

A=0.49
V=0.6 THIN
NEILOID
EXPANDED
A=0.10
PARABOLOID
V=0.1

Dr.Kim
Dr. KimD.
D.Coder
Coder Warnell
WarnellSchool
School University
UniversityofofGeorgia
Georgia page 18
 ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

live
total tree height

crown
height

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○
live crown base
clear stem
height

live crown ratio

=
live crown height
total tree height

Figure 16: Diagram of various height measures in a tree and

the formula for determining live crown ratio.
Dr. Kim D. Coder Warnell School University of Georgia page 19
 Citation:
Coder, Kim D. 2018. Tree anatomy: Defining trees & forms.
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources,
University of Georgia, Outreach Publication
WSFNR-19-35. Pp.20.

Publication WSFNR-19-35 Sept. 2019

The University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources offers educational programs, assistance and
materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender or disability.

The University of Georgia is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.