[08] Today’s prompt is Get to the Root of It
Sketch, question, measure the root system of a tree.

Sometimes the congruence of the world sneaks up on you, and next thing you know, you’re down a rabbit hole. Like getting curious about tree root crowns. They don’t get as much love as canopy crowns, but they should because they are easier to see, and are so beautiful*. This is the first time I’ve drawn a series from a top-down view. I expected the sketches to resemble wonky sunbursts or maybe a comet with a tail (I was certain there would be an astronomical similarity.)

BUT NO. THEY LOOK LIKE BRAIN DENDRITES. The word dendrite even comes from the Greek word for tree. Our brains and trees use the same form to communicate signals across a network. Srsly my mind is blown by this. This realization is the biggest surprise of #ArborApril to date, and it’s only day 8! This project is awesome. Also, these trees are street trees in an urban area, which is yet another reminder that nature wonders are everywhere.

Shown here: Root crowns of London plane trees ~ Platanus × acerifolia

* Note to arborists, horticulturalists, etc. I’m aware that many of these trees have girdled roots, which is disturbing. These trees were planted in 1999, and we hope they have many years left. I’m pretty sure the city won’t address the root situation.

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About the #ArborApril challenge

Join the month of drawing and journaling trees!

#ArborApril2025 is a combo challenge with #NatureJournalingApril, a month-long sketching & journaling challenge hosted by Cathy Raingarden, Kate Rutter, and the Wild Wonder Foundation. Each day in April, create a page in your sketchbook or nature journal based on the daily prompt from the prompt list. If you post on social media, use hashtags #ArborApril2025 and #NatureJournalingApril.

Posts & prompts will be on online at Instagram, Wonderland, Substack & Bluesky.