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Questions and Answers: 2014

Question: Hello, Bit of a strange few questions but I've always wondered how much energy it takes for a tree to …

• Question

  Hello, Bit of a strange few questions but I've always wondered how much energy it takes for a tree to sprout leaves in spring - say an oak? Also, how much effort/energy does it take a little seedling - like a snow drop say - to break through the soil to allow it to germinate? My final strange question is - how many leaves on an old giant oak? I understand these are quite odd questions, so any estimates I'd greatly appreciate!

  Answer

  Dear abi333, I have not seen published estimates on energy requirements of plants as they leaf out or bud in the spring. These would be good questions to pose to a plant physiologist at your local university. I have seen estimates of leaf numbers on oak. Estimates I have seen place the number of leaves on a mature oak at 200,000 to 500,000 leaves. I hope this is of some help.