Fascinating facts about trees, part 2

Contrary to common belief, most trees don't have a tap root; the majority of the roots are in the top 10-15cm of soil. Those trees with a tap root, such as oaks, pines, hickory and walnut, can go down over six metres in ideal soil conditions.

It is said that planting one tree in an open field will increase bird diversity by 80%. The rate is not maintained by subsequent tree planting though, and gradually levels off. One tree will also provide a habitat and food for a variety of creatures including, bats, bees, insects, rodents etc.

Trees are very long lived. In the USA there is a Bristlecone pine that is over 5,000 years old; it was lucky not to have been trodden on or eaten by a mammoth when it was a seedling. Trees in urban areas are effective at removing pollution from the air and absorbing carbon dioxide replacing it with oxygen. They also can remove poisonous chemicals from the soil.