Deciduous and Evergreen Trees
⭐ MasteredDeciduous trees lose their leaves in autumn, while evergreens keep their leaves all year. Pines are evergreens and oaks are deciduous.
Leaves change colour when the green chlorophyll fades.
All about Deciduous and Evergreen Trees
Deciduous trees lose all their leaves in autumn and grow new ones in spring. Examples include oaks, maples and birches. Losing leaves helps trees survive cold winters and dry seasons when water is hard to get.
Evergreen trees keep their leaves all year round. Pines, firs and holly are common evergreens.
Pine, spruce and holly are evergreen trees.
Each type of tree has its advantages. Both types provide homes for many birds and insects.
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows a deciduous tree changing through the seasons, from green leaves to bare branches. Watch how an evergreen tree keeps its green needles all year.
Real-life uses of Deciduous and Evergreen Trees
- Providing wood for building furniture and paper
- Giving shade and shelter for wildlife
- Using evergreens for Christmas trees and hedges
Frequently asked questions about Deciduous and Evergreen Trees
Why do leaves change colour in autumn?
As days get shorter, trees stop making the green chlorophyll, so yellow and orange pigments that were already in the leaves show through.
Are all conifers evergreen?
Most conifers are evergreen, but larches are a notable exception because they lose their needles in autumn.
Do evergreen trees lose any leaves?
Yes. They shed older leaves gradually throughout the year rather than all at once.