Trees throw off their leaves so they won't get too heavy due to snow. Why then dont evergreens do the same?

Answer 1

Evergreens are much older on the evolutionary age than Decidous trees. Evergreens originally dominated the landscape, however because they propagate much less efficiently than decidous trees, (relying on the wind to pollenate them), and because they need full light to grow, they were crowded out in the temperate zones by the newer and more efficient leaf shedding trees. Evergreens began to be pushed northward by decidous trees, where most of the great evergreen forests now are. decidous trees are at a disadvantage in cold climates, because the growing season is so short. It has nothing to do with the ability to deal with snow.

Answer 2

This is more complex than just collecting snow on the leaves. Deciduous trees have a dormant period. In polar and some temperate climates, this period begins in the fall and lasts through winter.

The dormant period is also associated with the dry season in regions which do not even have snow. This dormant period is used to conserve water and energy.

Evergreens, some of which are conifers and some which are not (like some Magnolias), have a different strategy. Their leaves (or needles) are usually not all removed at the same time. These leaves also tend to have a much higher resistance to water loss and in some cases freezing.

Trees like some palms are always green, while some lose major foliage during dry seasons. There does not seem to be any hard and fast rules. There always seem to be exceptions.

The best way to look at this is that some tree species are not sufficiently stressed as the seasons change. These tend to be the evergreens. Some are challenged by either cold or lack of water and these have found it necessary to have a dormant period and drop their leaves as a survival technique.

Answer 3

The leaves of deciduous trees are chemical factories that produce food for the tree by means of photosynthesis. In the autumn the amount of available sunlight begins to decrease. The leaves are working harder and harder to produce food and eventually burn themselves out and die. This is why they drop off the tree, not to avoid bearing snow on them. Where did you hear that? Evergreens are constantly losing their needles. Ever looked under a pine tree???

Answer 4

human beings rake their leaves so apparently like they have performed their section in making the community seem magnificent. that's a similar with mowing the backyard. even as leaves decompose on their lonesome they upload detrius and food to the soil that may be fed upon through such organisms as earthworms, which in turn grant nourishment for songbirds and so on. A thick, heavy layer of leaves will preclude image voltaic from accomplishing the grass for the grass to finish photosynthesis yet via the indisputable fact that's Fall the grass is truly shutting down for the wintry climate besides. it quite is why it may snow and are available April you've a thick and healthful backyard.

Answer 5

That's interesting, I've never heard that before. I thought they lost their leaves because the days got shorter and cooler and the sap they needed stopped being supplied. Evergreen have to keep their needles or they couldn't be called evergreen!

Answer 6

evergreen trees dont do the same because they bear woody cones in place of flowers which doesnot allow snow to rest on tree and cones make the snow fall.so there is no need for evergreen trees to shed leaves as very little snow accumulates on them and rest of it falls due to woddy cones but in deciduous trees there are no cones so trees shed there leaves to protect themselves from bitter cold.

Answer 7

Yup-It has to do with a chemical process, not to shed snow. Here in Texas it doesn't snow much, but all the leaves disappear every year. It is photosynthesis....trees stop making chlorophyll, or scientifically: C6H12O6.

Answer 8

trees do not shed 'throw off' their leaves so they wont get too heavy for snow....many trees their leaves even in hot countries where it never snows....Its becoz of the season.; there are 4 seasons in a year . Winter - Autumn - Spring & Summer.now learn / study these seasons..ok...

Answer 9

Shedding of leaves has nothing to do with with snow it is rather to conserve water.

Answer 10

Apparently, they don't need to. That's why they're "Evergreens" and keep their foliage year-round.