Is my tree leaning?

Tropism in trees is the directional growth response to external stimuli, enabling trees to adapt to their environment.

• Geotropism refers to a tree's response to gravity. Roots grow downward into the soil to anchor the tree and absorb water and nutrients. Stems grow upward against gravity to expose leaves to sunlight for photosynthesis.

• Phototropism is the growth response to light (those solar panels we call leaves need light!). Tree shoots and branches demonstrate phototropism by bending or elongating toward light sources to maximize photosynthetic efficiency.

This tulip poplar in Durham, NC was likely hit and partially uprooted by another tree (or machine) when it was younger and has since experienced a phototropic bow - growing upward toward the light.