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Tree Morphophysiology: Interpreting Trees Through Form and Function

Tree morphophysiology is a discipline through which tree experts can describe connections between a tree’s architectural form and biological functioning, referencing energetic, hormonal and structural factors which influence the tree. The Arboricultural Association defines tree morphophysiology as ‘the study of tree shape and structure in relation to function to achieve the goal of sustaining life’.

On a beautifully sunny week in April 2025, our consultant Carl Lothian joined a full house of enthusiastic tree care experts at Kew Gardens for the Arboricultural Association’s Tree Architecture and Morphophysiology Symposium… and all we got was this lousy photograph!

Bridging Theory and Practice in Tree Management

Tree morphophysiology is the study of a tree’s architecture in relation to its biological processes, including energy flow, plant growth regulator signalling, and structural adaptation. These concepts are considered to have evolved from studies of tree architecture, and in recent years, have been making an increasing impact on UK arboricultural practices. In March 2025, a case study appeared on the BBC which involved the use of morphophysiology to assess a 360-year-old London plane tree in Ely, supported by the University of Cambridge and funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  The Tree Morphophysiology Symposium featured experts, including Jeanne Millet, Giovanni Morelli and Stefania Gasperini, who demonstrated how tree architecture and morphophysiological principles can be applied to real-world tree management decisions—from pruning strategies to stability assessments.

A Shared Language for Arboricultural Consultants

Morphophysiology provides a shared language for arborists, allowing us to interpret signs of decline or damage not merely as faults, but as part of a tree’s adaptive story. Instead of a static snapshot, it offers a narrative of survival, stress, growth, and balance – connecting crown, stem, and roots into a unified picture. It changes the question from “What’s the matter with this tree?” to “What has this tree been through? What is it trying to do now?”

Although tree morphophysiology considers every stage of a tree’s life cycle, the perspective is particularly beneficial when working with heritage and veteran trees, where surface-level symptoms can be misleading. Rather than defaulting to removal or heavy intervention, morphophysiology supports evidence-based decisions that respect the tree’s current condition and potential for resilience.

Supporting Planning and Tree Retention

In our consultancy work, planning applications involving retained trees are a regular focus. Morphophysiology offers a new tool for assessing structure and considering future growth. Combined with other techniques arboricultural consultants use to assess risk, these tools facilitate understanding of future change and enable planners to balance development objectives with preserving long-term tree health.

Where a tree’s retention is in question, understanding its physiological intent and architectural trajectory can make the difference between consent and objection. Morphophysiology could strengthen tree reports and help communicate more clearly with local authorities and other stakeholders.

How We’re Applying Morphophysiology at Crown Tree Consultancy

At Crown Tree Consultancy, we are actively exploring how morphophysiological thinking can enhance our tree survey work—particularly where ancient and veteran trees are concerned. By combining our technical expertise with this broader biological perspective, we will continue to offer clients an accurate, resilient and tree-centred approach.

Morphophysiology may not be new, but its application in UK tree management is just beginning. We’re proud to be among the early adopters helping to bring this powerful lens into practical use.

The week provided an invaluable opportunity for continuous professional development exploring how morphophysiological analysis is enhancing both diagnostic work and long-term tree care strategies.

Have you got a tree on your property that you would like some advice on? Our friendly team of tree experts is here to help; get in touch today.