How tree rings can show us a tree's past — and future

The hidden world of fine tree roots

Fine tree roots are adventurers who hunt for ways to keep their tree watered and vibrant.

How tree rings can show us a tree's past — and future

Most of us have heard that you can tell how old a tree is by looking at the rings in a cross section of its trunk. But the scientists who work at the Center for Tree-Ring Science are finding more than just a tree’s age in them — they are also learning about their future.

The tree that lives at the edge of the world

National Geographic Explorer Brian Buma studies trees that live at the extreme. In 2020, he set out to answer a deceptively simple question: What is the world’s southernmost tree?

The Neem Tree's Healing Powers

A native to India and parts of Southeast Asia, the Neem tree is something of a cure-all in those parts of the world. So, why aren't its healing properties in pharmacies all over the world?

How city lights affect urban trees

City trees get their normal share of sunlight during the day, but when night comes, many of them also are exposed to human-made lights, which can change their natural patterns.