What kind of succession occurs when you plant a tree

Planting a tree is a great way to beautify your surroundings, create shade and give a home to birds and animals. However, it is also the beginning of a complex process known as succession.

Primary succession

Primary succession occurs when a barren area, such as a newly formed island or a roadside that has been scrapped bare, is colonized by vegetation. When you plant a tree in such an area, it marks the beginning of primary succession. The tree grows and provides shelter and resources for other plants and animals, which start to colonize the area little by little. Over a long period of time, the ecological community of the area becomes stable and self-sufficient.

Secondary succession

Secondary succession is the process by which an existing ecological community recovers from a disturbance such as a wildfire, a hurricane, or a tree falling. When you plant a tree in such an area, it marks the beginning of secondary succession. The tree serves as a pioneer species and helps create new habitat for other organisms. The soil is enriched by the tree's decomposing leaves and other organic material, allowing for new plant growth to occur. Eventually, the ecological community in the area returns to its pre-disturbance state.

Facilitation

Facilitation is a term used to describe the positive influence that one species has on the establishment of another. When you plant a tree, it can facilitate the growth of other plant species by providing shade, nutrients and a favorable microclimate. For example, the presence of a tree can provide a sheltered environment for understorey plants to grow, and the tree's leaves can provide food for insects and other small organisms that in turn help fertilize the soil.

Conclusion

Planting a tree may seem like a simple act, but it is the beginning of a complex process that can have far-reaching effects on the ecological community in the area. From primary to secondary succession and the facilitation of other plant and animal species, the tree you plant may be the catalyst for a thriving and diverse ecosystem.