Why do trees bend while growing?

Growing tree seedlings can bend in the direction of the wind or in the direction of sunlight if it is kept in a shaded location or in a place that is not symetrically-lit. Bending in the direction of light is termed phototropism. read more

Growing tree seedlings can bend in the direction of the wind or in the direction of sunlight if it is kept in a shaded location or in a place that is not symetrically-lit. Bending in the direction of light is termed phototropism. A fully-grown tree may not necessarily bend, but it can branch more in the direction of light. read more

« Reply #1 on: 01/01/2012 17: 44: 36 » As saplings they were broken at the base, but survived and grew up into the monoculture you have there, growing straight upright to compete for light. read more

While hiking on the northern Idaho-Montana border, I encountered a large area where virtually every tree is bent at the base in the downhill direction. Only the very largest and very smallest trees are straight. read more