Hollow trees make such ideal habitats for so various kinds of birds, squirrels and other animals so it almost seems as though nature created them primarily to fulfill such purpose. Hollow trees across the entire world are home to various kinds of wildlife, and also have played important roles in folklore through the years. Based on National Geographic News, male tree-hole frogs in the torrential rain forests of Borneo have now been found to utilize the unique acoustics of hollow trees to tune the pitch of these mating calls to be louder and more inviting to females. Rotting, hollow tree branches serve because the mating and breeding habitat for these tree-hole frogs while they make the most of the sheltered, moist environment to lay eggs. Hollow trees fall naturally into the life span cycle, but perhaps you have wondered why some trees are hollow in the very first place?
Understanding the main reason some trees are hollow involves first taking a glance at how trees sustain life. Hollow Knight Tree trunks and branches are comprised of a series of layers, with each serving an essential purpose. The visible outer bark of the tree protects the interior of the tree from the elements in addition to disease, fungi, animals, insects and dehydration. The next three layers just within the outer bark transport food and sugars from the leaves to the remaining portion of the tree, create new growth and transport water and nutrients from roots to other parts of the tree. The innermost layer of the tree, called heartwood, serves as a supportive core and is comprised of strong woody tissue that is no longer alive. Tree growth occurs when new layers of tissue form and push outward, while dead cells become the main supportive heartwood.
In order for a tree to guard itself, exterior layers must compartmentalize decay before it spreads to the supportive heartwood of the tree. If outer layers fail to do this, a gap called a rot cavity will form, that is likely caused by fungi causing decay in the heartwood of the tree. This often happens after the tree has acquired a wound, such as from pruning or damage from the storm. With time, this rot cavity can become larger, eventually causing a complete hollowing of the tree's heartwood. So long as the outer, living layers of the tree remain intact and are of sufficient thickness as compared to the hollowed area, a tree can often survive after having a hollow.
While historically hollow trees have now been filled with cement and a number of other substances, most experts now agree that filling a cavity or hollow trunk is more detrimental than capable of supporting the tree. It is essential to notice that though some hollow trees are structurally sound, others represent a hazard and should really be supported or removed. Hollow trees that are weak can become hazardous and pose threats to people, buildings and other property in the vicinity. When you yourself have a worthless tree on your property, it is recommended to own it inspected by a certified arborist, who will determine whether it's living and assess its strength. If the tree is structurally weak, an arborist can determine whether it could be salvaged through effective cabling and bracing techniques, or if removal is necessary.
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