The
leaves or needles on a tree have many functions and purposes. They absorb energy from sunlight, draw oxygen
and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and pull water and nutrients from the
soil. The combination of these functions enables the tree to add layers of growth
cells.
Leaves
and needles also act as shelter and screening or camouflage for small birds and
animals. Leaves serve as food for
various browsing creatures, even as buds, during the winter and spring, before
they mature. The shape of each leaf dictates how it will react to weather
conditions. Have you ever seen and heard
Quaking Aspen leaves rustling in even the slightest breeze? Have you ever seen maple leaves turn upside
down, exposing their lighter underside, as a telltale sign of an approaching
thunder shower? Every tree species has its own signature leaf pattern, enabling
us a clue to identification.
No
two species’ leaves are identical. And, come fall the colors are just as
different. Apparently, each species of leaf has its own taste too as evident by
the preferences of certain insects. I’ve always marveled at the fact that a
Gypsy Moth Caterpillar prefers pine needles to maple leaves. If I’m ever given a choice between eating
pine needles or maple leaves, you can bet I’ll choose the maple leaves. Wouldn’t
you?
The
Author is General Manager of Naples-based Q-Team Tree Service and is a Licensed
Arborist. You can contact him at 207-693-3831 or at www.Q-Team.com
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