The science of big trees
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EmailLearning more about big trees and where to find them in Michigan.
Many cultures have long been fascinated by large trees. From Yggdrasil in Norse mythology to the Bodhi tree where the Buddha contemplated and today’s giant sequoia in the western United States. Did you know there are big trees located right here in Michigan? You and your family can visit many of them and ask questions to encourage scientific inquiry.
Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling is one of the last remaining old-growth forests in Michigan. Here, they have some of the largest White and Jack Pines in the country. In addition, Virgin Sugar Maple and Beech trees over five feet in diameter can be found in the Warren Woods State Park in Three Oaks.
Want to learn more? Find a listing of big trees in Michigan at the Michigan Big Tree Registry. You will find some parks, universities and cemeteries; many are accessible. However, some are at private residences and can be seen from the road while others are not visible at all by the public. Chances are, no matter where you live, there is a big tree nearby, as only ten Michigan counties do not have a big tree listed. Can you try to find one in your community? If you do, nominate it at the Michigan Botanical Society.
As you think about big trees, Michigan State University Extension encourages you to ask yourself some questions. Why do you think some parts of the state might have more big trees listed than others? Is it related to the soil? Or weather? Or population? How could you figure that out?
What might different conditions affect how fast trees grow? Do you think a tree in the middle of a forest would grow faster or a tree standing in an open field? Often trees without competition for sunlight from neighboring trees can grow more quickly. But they might also be more likely to be struck by lightning or knocked down in a windstorm.
Is the size of the tree just dependent on age? The oldest Catalpa tree in the United States is on the grounds of the Michigan State Capitol, but it is not in the listing of big trees.
Do trees live forever, if they are not cut down or damaged in another way? How could we test that? We do have trees that are hundreds, or even thousands of years old, but that doesn’t mean they live forever.
Do trees grow larger if they have people taking care of them, or if they are left alone by humans? Many of the big trees are at locations where they are managed, like arboretums or universities, but many are also in remote areas.
Do you think native or non-native trees in Michigan would grow larger? Make your prediction and provide an explanation as to why you think it is correct. Then check out the list of big trees to find out!
Hopefully you can investigate some big trees near you and ask lots of questions and make discoveries of your own.
