Most people know the basics about tree care such as watering them and keeping them pruned. When it comes to opposite branching, the term probably sounds like something out of a fiction novel. Your local arborist at Five Star Tree Services wants you to understand what opposite branching is in the event that your trees need specialized help. All trees have alternate branching or opposite branching. Understanding the difference and knowing which trees should have each will help you to better care for your trees.
Branching Types
Most trees grow with alternate branching. Alternate branching is easy to identify because their branches grow all over in different directions.The branches on one side of the tree will either be higher or lower than the branches on the opposite side. It is also easy to identify alternate branching because it is much more common and prevalent than opposite branching. Alternate branching can be found in cherry trees, cottonwood trees, oak trees, and many others.
Trees with branches that grow directly opposite of each other are considered to have opposite branching. Shrubs and trees both may exhibit opposite branching but it is less common in trees.Because there are so few species of trees that exhibit opposite branching, it is easy to identify them on sight once you know what to look for. We have listed some of the most common species of trees that exhibit opposite branching below.
Ash Trees
Ash trees have over 65 different species within their own category. Most of these have opposite branching and are quickly recognized due to the compound leaflets on each of the branches.
Dogwood Trees
Dogwood trees are the most prevalent across the country and the most commonly known tree that exhibits opposite branching. These trees have oversized blossoms that bloom in the spring. These blossoms are extraordinarily fragrant and used in many commercial applications. Dogwood trees also produce tiny red, blue and white berries though they are not safe for consumption.
Maple Trees
Maple trees are some of the most loved trees on the planet for their delicious sap and beautiful appearance. There are more than 100 different species of the maple tree and each of them exhibits opposite branching. Maple trees are well-loved in many different countries and flourish in most environments.
Opposite Branching Shrubs
Many other shrubs and plants also exhibit opposite branching. Burning bushes, winter creepers, and privets are more plants that experience opposite branching. Another way to identify which plants, trees or shrubs have opposite branching is to view the leaves. Most if not all plants and trees that have opposite branching will have either compound leaves or simple leaves.
More From Five Star Tree Services
If you are looking for more information about the greenery on your property, we are here to help. To speak with a local arborist in the Richmond Hill area, call Five Star Tree Services today! We are here to help with trimming, tree removal and planting, pruning and just about any other tree-related issue you can think of. Get in touch with us at (416) 990-3355 now to learn more and to discuss any of your tree service needs!