Life Cycle of a Tree

Have you ever wondered how trees are born? Let’s find out more. Click through the slides below to find out how trees grow.

Apple trees flowers. the seed-bearing part of a plant.

Flowers Make Seeds

Did you know that many trees begin in a flower? It is the flowers that appear in the spring that make the seeds on a tree.

Seeds Drop to the Ground

Tree seeds grow in many shapes and sizes. Some are as big as a pinecone, a coconut, or a peach seed. Others are as small as an acorn or an apple seed. The seeds fall from the tree to the ground when they get too heavy or when the wind blows.

American red squirrel in autumn golden light eating acorn.

Seeds are Carried

Some seeds are round and hard so that they tumble and roll on the ground to find a place to grow. Other seeds fly through the air to find a spot to grow. Squirrels help nature by burying acorns and nuts.

Seeds Go into the Ground

All winter, the baby tree (seed) is packed into its little home with plenty of food surrounding it. On the outside is a hard coat for protection against the weather until spring comes again.

Spring Germination

With the warmth of spring, the seed begins to grow and bursts its coat open. When the tree seed begins to grow, a new tree is born. It is now a seedling.

The process of seed germination in the soil.

The Plant Grows

The end of the seedling with the root tip turns down into the earth, while the end with the bud and leaves turns up to find the light from the sun.

Large healthy apple tree with apples waiting for harvest

A Big, Strong Tree

Many years will pass before the tree will be big. The Sun will warm it, and the rain and snow will water it. The wind will blow against it and make it strong. Someday it will be big enough to have seeds of its own. Then the cycle starts all over again.

Slide:

Question

Do all plants go through the same life cycle?

Yes! All plants go through this same cycle.

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