Sugar Maple Tree Research Paper

It is sugar maple trees that give us a breakfast necessity: the maple syrup for our pancakes and waffles. The trees’ leaves change into fabulous shades of red, orange and yellow in autumn. This summary will tell you their ecological and economic value, historical significance, use of photosynthesis, building/medicinal uses as well as the location and population density for the area Maple trees are beautiful, symmetrical, deciduous trees that are found throughout the United States and in Canada and Japan. They have been grown around the world on the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe. The maple family has more than 200 species of trees. In the United States, the most common varieties are Japanese maples, red maples, sugar maples, black maples and silver maples. Maple trees are found in Illinois. The estimated population density of maple trees in the Monroe County for July 1, 2016 is 33, 879 trees.
Maple trees are autotrophs which means they can make their own food through photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is the process by which maple trees convert carbon dioxide into their food, by using the energy derived from the Sun. The most essential elements of this process are sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll. The leaves of a maple tree have microscopic holes, known as stomata, through which the carbon dioxide enters the plant. While carbon dioxide is absorbed by leaves, water enters the tree through its roots. After being absorbed by the roots, water travels all the way through the trunk to reach the leaves where the actual process takes place. Sugar is produced in the leaves during photosynthesis. It is transported into the wood and stored during the winter, mostly in the form of carbohydrates. It is then converted to sucrose and dissolved in the
sap. Historically, Pilgrims used sugar maple trees’ sap to make maple syrup. They had learned the process from the Native Americans. During the Civil War, soldiers used maple syrup to sweeten their food because the syrup wouldn’t get bad when it was shipped. The maple is a common symbol of strength and endurance and has been chosen as the national tree of Canada. A maple leaf is on the coat of arms of Canada, and is on the Canadian flag. The Toronto Maple Leafs, a National Hockey League team, is even named after the wonderful maple tree! All species of maple trees can be used for building uses. Hard maple wood is good for making furniture, sports equipment, flooring material, and wall paneling. Wood of maple is used in the industry of music instruments for the production of violins, viola, guitars and drums. Different types of furniture, baseball bats, bowling pins and butcher’s blocks are often made of maple trees. Dried wood of maple trees can be used for the smoking of food, while charcoal made of maple trees play a significant role in the manufacture of Tennessee Whiskey. Maple trees are also used in the paper industry. Paper made of maple trees has excellent printing properties. Sugar maples are the source of maple syrup and maple sugar. It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to make a single gallon of syrup. The Sugar maple species also plays a very important role in the ecosystem of many North American forests. This species of maple trees have many medicinal uses, too. Sugar maple’s bark can be made into a tea which can be used to treat cough, diarrhea, etc. The compound fusion of the bark as a drop can be used to help treat blindness. It also has some properties that can treat sore eyes, as well as being used to help with cramps and dysentery.
Maples trees are popular for their beautiful fall colors. These trees are used in various ways, from providing shade and enhancing landscaping to being featured in wood furniture. Mostly, sugar maple trees are known for their maple syrup production. Sugar maple trees are indeed an incredible species of tree!