2. Forest or Open Grown? – Correct Placement of Trees in a Suburban Setting By Linda Wiratan Independent Research Period 3

3. What is My Project Topic? I am studying tree structure and growth Tree structure is the shape that the tree grows into when it has aged more than a year Tree growth is the way a tree develops around its surroundings based on environmental factors Growth and development of a tree all depend on where the tree is planted Many trees that have bad structure are as a result of poor human analysis of the correct location to place trees in order to promote good growth Trees with bad structure may eventually have failing limbs, infections, and poor growth This is preventable but still happens

4. There are Two types of Trees:

5. Forest Grown Trees

6. There are Two types of Trees: Forest Grown Trees Open Grown Trees

7. Forest Grown Trees Grow in large clusters with other trees Typically grow to very large heights Canopy is very high up Very rare in an inner-city setting Unable to survive past adult growth without support from other trees Branches start growing about three-fourths of the way up Trunk gradually becomes thinner toward top This type of tree is commonly found in suburban to natural setting. They grow in large groups and support each other with their intergrading branches and leaves.

8. Open Grown Trees Grow in isolation to other trees Cannot come into close proximity to other trees Branches start growing about one-fifths of the trunk height Wide, heavy branches Enormous canopy that spreads out than up Leaves that grow thicker at the end of a branch This type of tree is commonly found in empty areas or parks. They are also the tree that is grown for scenery in city areas. Unlike forest trees, these trees are isolated from one another and do not touch.

9. What is My Actual Project?

11. Sponsor ed by: The Google Science Fair is a worldwide competition for students ages 13 – 18 It was created to promote the creation of ideas that can change the world Contestants use the scientific method to develop and test a hypothesis the summary and results of the experiment are submitted electronically The deadline for submissions is April 30, 2013 June 11: 90 regional winners are selected There are three age groups: 13 – 14, 15 – 16, and 17 - 18 I will enter the Google Science Fair and compete in the 15-16 age group I will submit a 20 slide Google Presentation as part of my project

12. Problem Property and community damage occurs every day as a result of tree failure. Landscapers and architects take into account the possible risks there are in assessing the damage that a tree can cause to itself and surroundings, but it is not enough. Inexperienced homeowners that have or want a tree do not realize how important it is to find the best place to place a tree; or, they do not look at their current trees and analyze potential risks the tree has. This leads to many problems, especially after heavy storms. Every year, thousands of dollars are spent repairing damage caused by trees because people are not aware of the problems that some trees may have possessed over a long time.

13. Problem Uprooted Canopy far too heavy for the tree trunk to support Possible tree failure in the future Past tree failure Tree has been excessively trimmed

14. Problem Tree trunk splits into 2 trunks too close to the ground Branches need to be trimmed; too close to its surroundings Other trees might have the same problem Branch was too heavy for the tree to support

15. Hypothesis If a common suburban forest tree and a common suburban open grown tree are grown in a setting that is exactly the same for both trees, then they will exhibit different growths and structures because of the surrounding influential factors.

16. Method I will carry out my investigation using many methods.

17. Method I will carry out my investigation using many methods. First, I will create an inventory of several different trees in my area. Some will be open grown, some will be forest grown, but the ratio between open and forest grown trees will be equal.

18. Method I will carry out my investigation using many methods. First, I will create an inventory of several different trees in my area. Some will be open grown, some will be forest grown, but the ratio between open and forest grown trees will be equal. Next, I will create a data chart to document various factors surrounding the growth and environment of the trees. (time pending)

19. Method

20. I will carry out my investigation using many methods. First, I will create an inventory of several different trees in my area. Some will be open grown, some will be forest grown, but the ratio between open and forest grown trees will be equal. Next, I will create a data chart to document various factors surrounding the growth and environment of the trees. (time pending) Over a period of 2 months, I will gather data and ultimately accumulate enough to be valid.

21. Product I will carry out my investigation using many methods. First, I will create an inventory of several different trees in my area. Some will be open grown, some will be forest grown, but the ratio between open and forest grown trees will be equal. Next, I will create a data chart to document various factors surrounding the growth and environment of the trees. (time pending) Over a period of 2 months, I will gather data and ultimately accumulate enough to be valid. Once I have finished, I will determine an ideal setting for both an open grown and a forest grown tree. These settings can be applied to real-life situations.

22. Audience This project, though created for the Google Science Fair, can be used by: Homeowners that want to buy a tree Homeowners that need to replace a tree Homeowners that want to know if their tree is in an ideal setting Homeowners that want to know if a tree poses any risks Agriculturalists Landscape designers Anyone in a suburban area that wants to know about tree placement It is not only directed toward people who own trees!

23. However… This project is NOT directed toward a certain group of people. Because I am only working with very specific trees in my area, many people of rural and urban settings will not find this research applicable to their lives. The same trees obviously do not grow everywhere, so it is important for an audience to know their location and type of trees that grow in their area.

24. Picture Sources http://evgrieve.com/2012/10/early-tree-damage.html http://blog.central-insurance.com/author/lkditto/ http://www.mrwallpaper.com/random-wallpapers/3/ http://www.123rf.com/photo_2671023_isolated-tree-in- the-green-field.html http://www.123rf.com/photo_2671023_isolated-tree-in- the-green-field.html http://www.portwallpaper.com/tag/lone.html https://www.googlesciencefair.com/en/2013/dashboard/ http://secondthoughts.typepad.com/second_thoughts/2 006/08/index.html http://secondthoughts.typepad.com/second_thoughts/2 006/08/index.html http://www.ttancm.com/2006/09/13/natalie-dee- toothpaste-for-dinner/ http://www.ttancm.com/2006/09/13/natalie-dee- toothpaste-for-dinner/

25. ~Closing~~