Why Does Tree Leaves Fall Off During the Winter?

If you live in the local Tennessee area, you know that many trees also thrive in this location. Because the climate is so varied, many different types of trees can survive in the Tennessee Valley. You may notice that some trees lose their leaves during the winter. In contrast, some fries in this area hang on to their leaves during the winter. Why do some trees lose their leaves during the winter while others keep them?

Some Trees Lose Their Leaves: Why Does This Happen?

First, looking at the trees that lose their leaves during the winter is essential. Like everything else that lives on this planet, trees behave according to the sun. When trees start to detect the amount of daylight dropping during the winter, they reduce the amount of chlorophyll they produce. After all, they do not need as much chlorophyll if there is insufficient sunlight. Chlorophyll is responsible for keeping leaves green. It is also responsible for helping trees produce energy.

When chlorophyll drops, the leaves start to turn color. Then, trees prepare to shed their leaves by halting the transport of nutrients to this portion of the tree. When the temperature begins to drop, it dries out. Therefore, trees do not want to expend energy caring for their leaves. They will keep their nutrients close to the core, where they are needed most.

Some Trees Keep Their Leaves: Why Is This the Case?

Some trees in our region do not lose their leaves during the winter. They prefer to hold on to their brown leaves throughout the winter. The term for this is marcescence. This usually takes place only in trees that have not yet matured. Therefore, it is far more common to see this occur in younger trees than in older trees. A lot of trees hang onto their leaves when they are young. Then, when they get older, they shed their trees. You may also see that only certain portions of the trees hang onto their leaves. For example, leaves may fall off certain parts of the tree but are in place on other parts. If leaves are closer to the tree's center, they may remain intact throughout the winter.

Are There Benefits to Trees Keeping Their Leaves During the Winter?

This is still an active area of research. Numerous professionals are still trying to explore whether it is beneficial for trees to retain their leaves during the winter. Some researchers believe that trees keep their leaves to protect the buds during the next year from animals that may want to eat them. Regardless of the tree's behavior, you must take care of it properly. You should work with a professional arborist to learn how to care for trees.