'Tis the Season for Winter Greenery

 

'Tis the Season for Winter Greenery

Written by Kristine Manganelli (Somerset County 4-H Coordinator)

Cones on Pine Tree

Cones on Pine Tree

Green is not the first color that comes to mind when thinking of the winter season. But if you look around outside this time of year, you will still see green in the forest. It belongs to a certain type of tree called Evergreens. This greenery is a familiar sight during the holiday season, as it is used for decorations, like our very own Somerset County 4-H wreaths.

If you’ve ever had one made from branches of real evergreen trees, you know how beautiful they are, and how wonderful they smell. If everything else turns brown and dies off in the winter, how do these trees stay ever green?

Evergreen trees not only retain their color over the winter, but they also keep their needles throughout the year. Evergreens do in fact drop their needles, but only every 2-5 years depending on the species. When the needles shed, it is a gradual process, unlike deciduous trees that shed all their leaves each fall.

Evergreens only lose needles closest to the trunk, while the new green growth occurs on the outer shoots of the branch. The needles even turn brown before falling, as the green color from chlorophyll fades away. ⁠

Instead of flat, thin leaves like oaks and maples, coniferous trees have long, thick needles. The waxy outer layer is called a cuticle. This coating helps the needles tolerate freezing temperatures. Conifers use their needles in a similar way that deciduous trees use their leaves. The needles continue to help the tree gather sun needed for photosynthesis during the winter months and retain water when freezing temperatures make water scarce.

Even so, during winter the tree is in a reduced state of activity, or partial hibernation. As soon as spring arrives, they are ready to come out of dormancy and are able to photosynthesize right away because their needles remain, and they don’t have to grow leaves like other trees.

The needle design also allows the tree to easily shed snow and ice. The limbs of these trees are flexible for the same reason, and the triangular shape of conifer trees allows heavy material to fall away. A fully-leaved deciduous tree would collapse if caught in a winter storm.

As a result, this makes evergreens an excellent source of shelter and habitat for deer and other wildlife. The fallen needles and dense boughs (branches) provide protection and warmth for deer and other wildlife to bed during the cold winter months. ⁠

Conifers get their name because they are trees that bear cones. The cone is the reproduction method for these trees, and is a container for the seeds. Most, but not all evergreens are conifers. Not all evergreens reproduce with cones, an example is American Holly.

American Holly Tree

American Holly Tree

It may be surprising that holly is an evergreen, but it also keeps its leaves year-round. The red berry is a favorite food for birds and other animals, although not healthy for humans. As the berries are frost-resistant they bloom all season. This becomes an important food source in the winter when resources are scarce. Like Holly, many evergreen tree species are native to New Jersey including types of pines, firs, spruces, cedars, and junipers.

These trees offer hope in an otherwise barren winter setting. The vibrant red and everlasting green reminds us that life is beautiful and will continue despite the forecast ahead.

Get Outside

Don’t let the cold weather keep you cooped up inside this winter! If bundled up properly, you can still enjoy time outdoors. During a hike in the woods, or in your own backyard, look for natural materials that can be used to make your own wreath! Collect small pieces of branches of evergreen trees. Clip holly leaves and berries. Search on the ground for cones. Use the child-friendly wreath making craft from My Mountain Wild for inspiration.

Sources:

 
Somerset County 4-H