what causes trees to split? Do they just decide at 5 feet to say fuck it Imma head out?
In: Biology
The top of the tree is in charge. It grows like crazy to get more sun and make more side branches. More sun and more leaves mean more sugar and trees like sugar too.
Eventually the side branches can’t hear that bossy top – they grow a little more and soon they’re telling the buds behind them to grow more side branches while they chase the sun and make more sugar.
Douglas Fir and Sequoia and Red Alder branches have really good hearing and only rarely subordinate.
Lilacs and Hornbeam and Willow never listen.
Trees that are topped go crazy – there’s nothing to listen to.
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