The main difference between trees and shrubs is their size. Trees are much taller than shrubs and their root balls (system of roots with attached soil that supports the health of the tree) are also bigger. Unlike the thin and flexible stalks or stems of the shrubs, trees have thick stems to bear the load of the heavier and bigger leaves, branches, and fruits. Since trees are taller, they need to transport water from the soil much further up than the shrubs. This is done by several thin hair-like pipes in the stem and the branches.
