Where Do Trees Get Their Matter From

The mass of a tree is primarily carbon. The carbon comes from carbon dioxide used during photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants convert the sun’s energy into chemical energy which is captured within the bonds of carbon molecules built from atmospheric carbon dioxide and water.

Where do plants get their matter?

It’s simple really—plants get the materials they need to grow cheifly from air and water! Sunlight provides the energy plants need to convert water and carbon dioxide (CO2), a major component in air, to carbohydrates, such as sugars, in a process called photosynthesis (Fig. 3).

Where do trees get their energy?

Trees make their own food through photosynthesis, using energy from sunlight, water (from the roots), and carbon dioxide (from the air) to create sugar that is used to fuel the rest of the tree.