Here's the breakdown:

* Carbon: The largest component of a tree's mass is carbon. Trees obtain this carbon from carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis.

* Water: Water is another essential component of a tree. Trees absorb water from the soil through their roots. This water is used for various processes, including photosynthesis and transporting nutrients.

* Minerals: Trees also need small amounts of minerals from the soil, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These minerals are absorbed through the roots and contribute to the tree's growth and development.

While a small amount of the tree's mass comes from the soil and the initial seed, the majority of the matter is derived from the air through photosynthesis.