When looking at the landscape, you’ll notice some trees are constantly teeming with foliage, while others have bare branches at various times during the year. Unlike evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs shed their leaves in autumn. Below is a guide to why some plants on your property go through this process and tree care advice to keep them healthy.

Why Deciduous Trees Shed Leaves

Deciduous trees’ leaves aren’t equipped to survive frigid conditions. The tissue is delicate and vulnerable to frostbite, while fluids could freeze and cause the foliage to die. Shedding leaves in late autumn is a way to conserve the water and energy needed to get through winter unscathed. The process of shedding leaves is called abscission. The foliage typically begins to grow again in early spring, after the winter cold spell. Oak, maple, birch, ash, and willow are a few deciduous tree species popular in North America. The flowering plants flourish in nutrient-rich soil and moist conditions. Although leaf shape varies by species, deciduous trees have broad leaves when compared to the needle-like, waxy foliage of evergreens. 

How to Care for Deciduous Trees

To help trees sprout new leaves after winter, keep the plants hydrated. Water the ground at the base of the trunks two to three times per week during the growing season. After the trees have flowered, canopies will need to cut back. Tree pruning ensures all of the leaves receive ample sunlight. Additional treatment, such as anti-desiccants, might be needed to combat moisture loss from windburn and dry conditions. Although shedding leaves in winter helps keep pests away, it’s still a good idea to enlist a tree care specialist to check for signs of infestation at the end of winter. This way, they can decide how best to proceed to restore tree health.

If you need help from professionals trained to address the specific needs of vegetation in the Pacific Northwest, reach out to the tree care experts at Carlos Tree Service in Anchorage, AK. Since 1993, the team has provided residential and commercial clients throughout the community with tree and stump removal, pruning, trimming, and additional solutions to increase the safety, appeal, and functionality of their properties. For a free tree service estimate in Anchorage, call (907) 522-6049. Visit the tree care technicians online to learn more about their commitment to customer satisfaction, and follow them on Facebook for service updates.