Evergreen trees retain their foliage throughout the year.
Evergreen trees are trees that retain their foliage throughout the year, rather than losing it annually, as deciduous trees do. There are several different types of evergreen trees and some distinct advantages to being evergreen as opposed to deciduous. Many tropical trees are evergreens, and evergreens are also very common in temperate climates. In the colder regions of the world, evergreen trees are rarer, but they are still present.
From the tree’s perspective, being an evergreen requires less work. Deciduous trees require a lot of energy and nutrients in the spring when they shed new leaves. Evergreens, on the other hand, conserve energy and nutrients by slowly growing new foliage throughout the year, which can be an advantage in regions where nutrients are scarce, as an evergreen can withstand one season. difficult, while a deciduous one may fail. The leaves also provide insulation for the tree, preventing sun and frost from damaging the branches and trunk. Evergreens also fertilize themselves, thanks to their nutrient-rich foliage, which also acts as mulch to protect roots.
Some evergreens display new foliage constantly, with older foliage falling off as you move. Others have slower growth rates and lose leaves only periodically. In all cases, the foliage remains fresh and green throughout the year, with the lighter growth being more recent. In spring, for example, new growth can appear almost yellow next to more mature foliage. Most evergreens have needle-shaped leaves to conserve water, and many evergreens have slightly waxy foliage, which also helps prevent evaporation through the leaves.
Conifers such as cypresses, pines, and firs are evergreen, as are hollies, some oaks, eucalyptus, and rhododendrons, among others. As you can see from these many examples, evergreens come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be found all over the world, from the arid interior of Australia to the lush forests of South America.
Evergreens are popular as ornamentals because they maintain their foliage year-round instead of letting them fall off in the fall and create an unsightly mess. Deciduous trees can also create a very desolate landscape in winter when they lose their leaves. Evergreens keep the garden looking green and alive, even in snowy weather.
Many cultures also include evergreen trees in their folklore. These trees are associated with constancy, fidelity, and other enduring traits, thanks to their evergreen foliage. The practice of cutting evergreen branches to use as decoration in winter is also very common, particularly in northern climates where green foliage is rare in winter.