Question

If a complete ring of bark is removed from around a tree trunk (a technique called girdling), would the tree die slowly (in weeks) or quickly (in days)? Explain why.

Short answer

The tree would die slowly if a complete bark is removed from the tree trunk. After removing the tree's bark, the carbohydrates stored in roots are supplied to the tree for its survival. It diminished up slowly and resulted in the death of the tree.

Step-by-step solution

Girdling

Girdling is the process in which a ring of bark is removed from either branch of the tree or the trunk of a woody plant. This practice is mostly used for fruit size, advanced maturity of fruits, and many other purposes.

Result of girdling on tree

The bark of the tree contains secondary phloem tissue that functions by transporting food from leaves to the rest of the plant.When this portion (bark of the tree) is removed, the roots use their carbohydrates reserves.

After several days, these reserves slowly end up and result in the death of the tree. Hence, this process results in the death of trees slowly.

Factors leading to the quick and slow death of the plant

Factors such as improper watering and poorly drained soil can result in the sudden death of the plant. Factor such as girdling can result in the slow death of plants because, in this condition, plants use starch reservoirs for a few days, and after the end of these reservoirs, the plant dies.