Want to Know Why Some Trees Lose Their Leaves?
As any experienced tree contractor will tell you, deciduous trees shed their leaves come winter, instead of retaining their green foliage throughout like evergreen trees do. Sometimes, trees will provide a radiant color before shedding their leaves, and within some areas, this is an attraction which visitors from all walks of life will enjoy. There are several reasons for leaf shedding; however, essentially, it occurs in order for trees to conserve energy in the winter months and to prevent damage being done to the tree. Come springtime, the tree will grow new leaves so the process can start over anew.
Most deciduous trees in regions that suffer from cold harsh winters will lose their leaves in order to protect themselves, as cold winds readily take moisture from them via their leaves. By shedding their leaves, trees will retain their moisture within their trunks and branches, instead of drying out and perishing. Plus, the leaf loss places the tree into a state of hibernation, which will reduce the energy a tree requires to stay alive.
In the spring and summer months, leaves photosynthesize sunlight, creating what is called chlorophyll; this turns them green. This process provides sufficient energy for a tree and will feed the leaves needed to keep them healthy. The bright fall color which are distinctive are in fact there all the time; however, chlorophyll hides them. Once the days become shorter, the trees receive less sunlight, and the efficiency begins to decrease. The leaves fall because they start to draw too much energy from the tree.
Once the nights become longer, trees begin to prepare themselves, beginning by secreting chemicals to cut the leaves from the tree. Once leaves stop creating chlorophyll, they will begin to change their color. Basically, trees shed their leaves once the chemicals they produce have been stopped from the parent branches. These chemicals are abscisic acid and ethylene, and they ensure the leaves fall by stopping the link between the tree and the leaves. The leaves will then fall, providing a blanket of mulch to insulate the trees’ roots, and conserves the trees’ energy for the next season.
So, if you are looking for a professional tree contractor, call Graham's Professional Tree Service, at (336) 677-5954 today. We are in Graham, NC.