Life Angles of Trees

Pınar ÖZDEMİR*, Nuray İlkim KARAKÖÇEK, Ayyüce ÖCAL

Haydarpaşa High School, Istanbul, Turkey.

Abstract:

Does every tree have a certain branching angle in itself? Are branching angles of trees determined by genetic factors? Is the branching angle affected by the presence of the tree in the natural environment or in the cultivation? Does branching angle need to be included in identification key for every speciy?  Our aims are to find answers to questions.

Previous works on this subject have been examined. As a result of the works investigated, the species of trees to be observed were identified [Picea orientalis (Oriental spruce), Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe-Myrtle), Cedrus libani (Lebanese Cedar), Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of sharon), Pinus brutia (Calabrian pine)]  and the characteristics of these tree species were studied. The areas where the specified tree species are found have been identified (Nezahat Gökyiğit Botanical Garden, Atatürk Arboretum, Beykoz Botanical Biodiversity and Geofit Research and Training Center Directorate, Büyükada Natural Forest) Before carrying into practice, it has been gone to the areas identified with the material (Protractor, Protractor Application, Tape Measure) to be used and the measurement was made. The measurements made were tabulated.

We have measured the branching angle that we think is a feature that depends on the genetic material in the light of the hypothesis we create in the tree species. It has been observed that the branching angle of the samples of a specie taken from different places does not change, and the branching angle of different species observed in the same places is different. From this observation, we suggest that the branching angle does not depend on external factors such as soil, climate, humidity etc. but branching angle is a characteristic feature unique to the specie. However, we can suggest that the branching motion may depend on the light. No difference has been observed in the branching angles of the natural and cultivated Pinus brutia trees which we measured. Depending on our observation, we have concluded that the growth of the tree in its natural or cultivated environment is not a factor on the branching angle, and we have supported the hypothesis that the branching angle is a feature of genetic material. Problems such as sidewalk shedding, uncontrolled and unethical cutting of trees, removing them from their areas or mechanical damages in their environment can be eliminated if the branching angles of the tree species planted on the roadsides, parks and gardens are known beforehand.

Also, if the branching angles of the trees in the field of agriculture are known, it shall enable the establishment of healthy distances between the trees.

Keywords: Branching, trees, natural, cultivated, environment.

Pages: 121 – 132 | Full PDF Paper