Oak Tree Research

Oak Tree Research

http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/90720.html

'Most of us sense that taking a walk in a forest is good for us. We take a break from the rush of our daily lives. We enjoy the beauty and peace of being in a natural setting. Now, research is showing that visiting a forest has real, quantifiable health benefits, both mental and physical. Even five minutes around trees or in green spaces may improve health. Think of it as a prescription with no negative side effects that's also free.'

• Boosts immune system 
• Lowers blood pressure 
• Reduces stress 
• Improves mood 
• Increases ability to focus, even in children with ADHD 
• Accelerates recovery from surgery or illness 
• Increases energy level 
• Improves sleep

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/top10facts/580618/oak-trees-top-facts

1. Oak Apple Day or Royal Oak Day was declared a public holiday by parliament in 1660.Its official celebration continued until 1859

2. The original Royal Oak at Boscobel was destroyed in the 18th century by tourists snipping off branches as souvenirs.

3. The usual lifespan of an oak is about 200 years, but some live over 1,000 years. In 2013, a 1,200 year-old Welsh oak was blown down by high winds.

4.The Royal Oak is the third most common pub name in Britain.

5.English oak (Quercus robur) is the most common tree species in the UK.

6. An oak tree only starts producing acorns when it is about 40 years old.

http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-oak-trees/

• There are approximately 600 extant species of oaks.
• Most species of oak trees are deciduous with only a few of evergreen forms
• The white oak is the tallest oak species. The tallest known white oak is 44 meters(144 feet) tall. 
• The fruit is a nut called an acorn, borne in a cup-like structure.
• One oak produces more than 2000 acorns every year, but only one in 10 000 acorns will manage to develop into oak tree.
• The leaves and acorns of the oak tree are poisonous to cattle, horses, sheep, and goats in large amounts due to the toxin tannic acid, and cause kidney damage and gastroenteritis.
• Many species of oaks are under threat of extinction in the wild, because of the habitat destruction, over exploitation, diseases and introduction of invasive species.
• Oak wood has great strength and hardness.  It is used in the manufacture of ships, furniture, floorings and Yamaha drums.
• In Greek mythology, the oak is the tree sacred to Zeus, king of the gods.
• Oak branches are displayed on some German coins, both of the former Deutsche Mark and the current Euro currency.
• Although it is rarely reached, the symbol of an 80th wedding anniversary is oak.
• Oaks are more likely to be struck by lightning than other trees.
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