Winter in the Forest Winter in the Forest Deciduous Trees Fall has come and passed and the deciduous trees have lost their leaves to conserve moisture. The leaves have fallen to the forest floor and are used by insects in the soil. The leaves provide valuable minerals and nutrients for both the insects and for new plant growth next spring Evergreens Evergreens do not loose there needles and leaves during the winter months. The limbs of these trees are often flexible and under the weight of the snow the limbs bend towards the ground and the snow falls off.
Evergreens also provide protective cover for wildlife from cold winter winds.
Bark Bark provides protection and insulation for trees from cold winter winds and freezing temperatures. The bark helps keep the trees from drying out. Bark also provides home for insects that need protection over winter. The trees have lost there leaves for this year, but look at the branch closely. Along the branch and at the end of the branch you will find buds.