Empty fingers wait for five, yet none of mine are truly alive.

A tool to guide, in the forest night. Or a tool to get your circles right.

I'm the source of the problem, or so they call me, When really I'm just part of a plant or a tree, Where it's dark and it's cold I burrow my way, I seek out fresh water and lock my body in place

Since pre- means before, and post- means after, using both in the same word would be...

I am best when I am long, standing tall and straight, I look my best when stiff and firm, a truly proud estate, I’m known to release some sticky sap when fully grown and ripe, And if you handle me too much, you’ll need a cloth to wipe.