Maple Tree Structure

The crown is made up of leaves and branches at the top of the tree. It shades the roots, allows the tree to keep cool through transpiration, and collects solar energy.

Leaves are part of the crown of the tree. They convert solar energy into food (sugar).

The sapwood (also known as xylem) is made up of a network of living cells that bring water and nutrients from the roots to the branches. Over time, the inner layers of the sapwood die and become the heartwood of the tree.

Dead sapwood in the center of the tree and is the hardest wood of the tree, giving the tree both strength and support.

Provides the shape and support to hold up the crown. The trunk delivers water and nutrients from the soil and sugar from the leaves.

Branches provide support for the leaves and distribute them based on the type of tree and environment. It also serves as storage for extra sugar.

The outer layer of the trunk and branches, it serves as the protective layer for the cambium and sapwood. The inner layer of the bark, called Phloem, carries the sap from the leaves to the rest of the tree.

A thin layer of living cells on the inner side of the bark, it makes new cells and allows the tree to grow wider.