Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees are a type of tree that drops its leaves in the winter to protect itself from the cold. The leaves act as a form of insulation, and by dropping them, the tree can save energy that would otherwise be used to keep the leaves warm. In the spring, the tree 'wakes up' and sprouts new leaves. This process is known as 'leaf flush'. Leaf flush is triggered by an increase in daylight hours and warmer temperatures. Deciduous trees are found all over the world, and include species such as oak, maple, and elm. While they are best known for their spectacular fall foliage, deciduous trees play an important role in the global ecosystem.