Scientists have discovered that the CO and FT genes that cause trees to stop growing and go dormant in the fall (which protects then from freezing) are also responsible for producing flowers and seeds.

In the past the slow growth of fruit trees which can take anywhere from several years to decades, has affected annual crop production. By manipulating these genes through genetic engineering, scientists could produce trees that flower and reproduce at will, perhaps making them flower in the winter. How this will affect the seasons and the birds and animals reliant upon them for food and reproduction is unknown, as is the effect of consuming transgenically altered food perhaps without one's knowledge.

“The Lifecycle of Trees”; is a year long project completed in 2003 where digital photos were taken on the first week of each month, documenting changing seasons and the life cycles of trees. The project culminates in a digital photo installation & video using tree forms and their branching systems as body metaphors. In the Kabala an inverted tree represents spiritual growth and the human nervous system; both the cosmic tree rooted in heaven and branches spreading throughout the body.