It’s January but there are trees that still have their dead leaves on. What’s going on?
Well, certain species of trees like beech, oak, maple and hornbeam don’t drop their leaves naturally until mid winter. They are classified as marsecent, meaning lingering.
Why? Trees transfer water and sap from their roots to their leaves through their vascular cells but some trees continue to carry the sap up slowly until the layer of cells called the abscission layer completely closes off the vein. Then with the winter wind, they slowly break off. Perhaps this is nature’s plan to add further nutrients to the forest floor?
Here at Jacrist, we use this species specific characteristic to add texture to the winter landscape. Why not see how Jacrist can design a special landscaping for you?