How many leaves are there on a typical oak tree?

Hi llclondon,

Thank you for your interesting question.   

After an extensive search, the only reference for actual numbers of
leaves was the following:

http://www.wisconsincountyforests.com/qa-forst.htm

How many leaves does a tree have? 

"It depends on the tree's species and age, but a mature, healthy tree
can have 200,000 leaves. During 60 years of life, such a tree would
grow and shed 3,600 pounds of leaves, returning about 70% of their
nutrients to the soil."


Most trees lose their leaves each fall, but some keep them over
winter. Why is that?

"In spring, new leaves and twigs grow out together and are firmly
attached. In fall, a specialized layer of "abscission" cells form
between each leaf and twig, cutting off water to the leaf and killing
it. Then the abscission cells die and the leaf falls off. In young oak
trees, however, for reasons that are unclear, abscission cells form
but do not complete their work. Therefore, oak leaves often stay
connected to the twig until pushed off by new leaf and twig growth in
the spring."

=========

Quercus robur - English Oak
http://www.first-nature.com/trees/quercus_robur.htm

=========

Pedunculate-Oak Quercus robur (Fagaceae)
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/jubileetrees/british-native-trees/bnt-32.htm

"When young, it keeps its leaves through the winter and can be a
useful addition to a hedge."

=========

Interesting Fact - How much do the fallen oak leaves actually weigh
once they dry out?
http://www.stormcenter.com/envirocast/2003-10-14/


Watershed Quiz Answer to Question 3 
http://www.stormcenter.com/envirocast/2003-10-14/quiz_answer3.html

"The correct answer is A. When fallen leaves dry out, they don?t weigh
very much. Researchers have found that 25,000 dry, oak leaves weigh
less than 70 pounds.  This is about as much as the average Chesapeake
Bay retriever weighs."

=========

Best regards,
tlspiegel

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Clarification of Answer by tlspiegel-ga on 29 Dec 2004 08:22 PST

Hi llcondon,

The person who told you to lighten up was a commenter - not a
researcher.  Researchers (like me) can be recognized by seeing they
have a blue username which is a link to all their answers.  I feel it
was unfair to punish "me who did answer your question" with a low
rating.  I do appreciate the tip, don't get me wrong.  I thank you for
that.  But ratings should be based on what you feel is fair for your
researcher and not the comments made.  Researchers can also make
comments which are not answers.

At any rate, I did enjoy doing the research for your question.  I do
hope you'll be back and give us another chance at helping you with
your questions.  You can ask for me if desired (in the subject) and
I'll work hard to provide you with a complete answer.

Best regards,
tlspiegel

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Request for Answer Clarification by llclondon-ga on 29 Dec 2004 09:09 PST

OK, thanks. I can't see how to change the rating.

Laura

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Clarification of Answer by tlspiegel-ga on 29 Dec 2004 10:01 PST

Hi Laura,

Yes, you are correct - ratings once given cannot be modified.  As you
can see from a recent Question I answered at:

Q: Giving tlspiegel-ga five stars for the last answered question 
http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=447493

A.
"Unfortunately, Google Answers is set up in such a way that ratings
cannot be modified."

=======

I do hope you have a Happy and Healthy New Year and come back to
Google Answers!  :)


Best regards,
tlspiegel

This is the first time that I have used Google Answers. The researcher
answered the question. However, the overall experience was unpleasant.
I objected to a flippant comment posted by a registered user and was
told to "lighten up" by the researcher. I did not want to participate
in a jokey environment, I just wanted an answer to my question. I have
tipped the researcher as I gather that I paid too little for the
amount of effort required.

How old is the tree? What species of oak is it?

Let's say 50 years old. English oak (quercus robur).

It sounds sarcastic (but isn't meant to be) and it's probably the most
accurate answer you'll get.

This time of the year?  The answer is "None".

tutuzdad-ga

This is the first time I have tried Google Answers and am insulted and
offended by your answer.

Tutuzdad just made a comment...he never answered your question.

Your question has now been answered, however.

BTW, lighten up....

This is a great site but there are some of us here that DO have a
sense of humour ;)

Steph53