What Keeps the Big Tree Standing?

A big tree stood beside the woodland path. Its trunk was much thicker than Puschel’s tummy. High above, a few leaves moved in the quiet air. Puschel looked up, down at his own feet, then back at the trunk.

Puschel“I need two feet to stand. This giant does not even have shoes!”

Flauschi stayed beside him on the level path. A few thick roots were visible at the base of the trunk. They ran across the surface and disappeared into the soil. The two did not step on them.

Flauschi“A tree has roots. Many are in the soil where we cannot see them. Together they form its root system: a branching network of large and small roots.”

Puschel“Then the tree hides its feet underground?”

Flauschi“That is a little like the way they help it stand. But roots are not feet. Thicker roots anchor the tree in the soil. Anchoring means giving it a firm hold, rather like a fastening.”

Puschel studied a visible root. He could follow it only a short way. Beyond it lay undisturbed ground. Flauschi explained that this little section could not show them the hidden route. Different trees and soils led to different root shapes.

Puschel“So there is not just one enormous nail pointing straight down.”

Flauschi“Exactly. And fine roots have another important job. They take in water and minerals dissolved in it. Minerals are things a tree needs to grow.”

Flauschi kept the magnifying glass lowered. The fine roots stayed underground; they would not dig to see them. Puschel looked from the trunk to the leaves again. The hidden part belonged to the tree just as much as its crown did.

Puschel“With fastenings like those, surely nothing can happen to it?”

Flauschi“Roots do not make a tree unbeatable. In storms, trees can fall or branches break. That is when we stay away from the woods.”

Puschel nodded. Today it was calm. They walked on along the clear path without pulling roots or peeling bark. The big tree had not gained shoes. Puschel had gained a better explanation of what held it up.