Deciduous vs Evergreen Trees

What are deciduous trees and how do you identify them?

Deciduous trees are those that lose their leaves in the winter. This means they can’t photosynthesize as well in the cold weather, so they rely on stored energy from the summer to stay alive.

The term “deciduous” refers to trees that completely shed their foliage during the winter or dry season. This shedding is a survival strategy, enabling the tree to conserve water during winter months when resources are less available.

Many deciduous plants flower during the period in which they are leafless, through the use of buds located on the foliage from previous years, so as to expose them to as much light as possible with less interference from competing vegetation.

In some cases leaf loss coincides with winter (dry season) — namely in temperate or polar climates. In other places, including tropical areas, plants lose their leaves during the dry season or even during periods of drought.

You can easily identify deciduous trees by their leaves. They tend to be broad and have a lot of color. The trees will also lose their leaves in the winter, so you can easily tell when they are deciduous.

Some common examples of deciduous are:

• Oak
• Maple
• Birch

What are evergreen trees and how do you identify them?

Evergreen trees are those that keep their leaves all year long. This means they can photosynthesize in the winter, which is why they tend to be taller than deciduous trees.

The term “evergreen” refers to trees that retain their foliage all year long. This is true even in warmer climates where drought and/or frost may be seasonal events. Evergreens overcome these events by using various strategies, such as having waxy or tough leaves that shed excess water, or by growing in locations where they are sheltered from extreme conditions.

You can identify evergreen trees by their needles or cones. The needles will typically be green and stay on the tree year-round. Cones also stay on the tree, but they come in different shapes and sizes.

Some common examples of evergreen are:

• Pine
• Spruce
• Fir

What are the pros and cons of deciduous trees?

Now that you know what deciduous trees are, let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Deciduous trees provide great shade in the summer. This can help keep your home cool and comfortable.
• They also produce a lot of fruit which can be eaten or used for cooking.
• Deciduous trees are beautiful to look at and can add color to any yard or garden.

Cons:

• Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the winter, so they don’t provide as much shade.
• They also require more maintenance than evergreen trees because you have to clean up the leaves.
• Deciduous trees can be messy and drop a lot of fruit, which can attract pests.

What are the pros and cons of evergreen trees?

Now that we’ve gone over deciduous trees, let’s take a look at evergreen trees.

Pros:

• Evergreen trees provide shade all year long, which can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
• They don’t lose their needles, so there is no need to clean up after them.
• Evergreen trees are great for privacy fencing because they block sight lines.

Cons:

• Evergreen trees are not as pretty to look at as deciduous trees.
• They can be more expensive than deciduous trees.
• Some evergreens can be toxic if eaten.

Differences between deciduous and evergreen trees

Reproduction

Deciduous trees reproduce by flowers that grow on the tree. The flowers are pollinated by bees, which then turn into fruits or nuts. Evergreen trees reproduce by cones, which contain the seeds of the tree.

Lifespan

Deciduous trees have a shorter lifespan than evergreen trees. Deciduous trees typically live between 30-50 years, while evergreen trees can live for hundreds of years.

Growth

Deciduous trees grow faster than evergreen trees. Deciduous trees can grow up to 24 inches per year, while evergreen trees only grow about 12 inches per year.

Root system

Deciduous trees have shallower roots than evergreen trees. Deciduous tree roots typically only grow about 18 inches deep, while evergreen tree roots can grow up to 36 inches deep.

Fruit bearing

Deciduous trees are typically fruit bearing, while evergreen trees are not. Deciduous trees produce fruits and nuts that can be eaten or used for cooking. Evergreen trees do not produce fruits or nuts.

Soil conditions

Deciduous trees can grow in a variety of soil conditions, while evergreen trees prefer well-drained soils. Deciduous trees are also more tolerant of drought than evergreen trees.

Location:

Deciduous trees are found in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. Evergreen trees are found all over the world.

Climate

The climate where a tree grows affects whether it is evergreen or deciduous. In general, temperature has the most influence over whether a tree is deciduous or evergreen; humid climates tend to support more evergreens because humidity helps protect the tree from drying out in winter conditions.

Trees in cold climates tend to be evergreen because they need to retain moisture during the winter when water is less available through the soil.

Caring for deciduous and evergreen trees

1. Watering: Deciduous trees need to be watered regularly, especially during the summer. Evergreen trees do not need to be watered as often.
2. Fertilizing: Deciduous trees should be fertilized in the spring and fall. Evergreen trees only need to be fertilized once a year.
3. Pruning: Deciduous trees should be pruned in the late winter or early spring. Evergreen trees can be pruned at any time of year.
4. Sunlight: Deciduous trees need at least six hours of sunlight a day. Evergreen trees need at least four hours of sunlight a day.
5. Pests: Deciduous trees are susceptible to aphids, scale insects, and caterpillars. Evergreen trees are susceptible to spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
6. Diseases: Deciduous trees are susceptible to powdery mildew, black spot, and leaf scorch. Evergreen trees are susceptible to root rot, canker, and blight.

Deciduous vs Evergreen trees: Benefits

Deciduous trees

1. Deciduous trees are beautiful to look at and can add color to any yard or garden. 
2. They provide shade in the summer and fall, which can help keep your home cool.
3. Deciduous trees are fruit bearing and produce delicious fruits and nuts.
4. They have a shorter lifespan than evergreen trees.
5. Deciduous trees grow faster than evergreen trees.
6. They also require more maintenance than evergreen trees because you have to clean up the leaves.
7. Deciduous trees can be messy and drop a lot of fruit, which can attract pests.

Evergreen trees

1. Evergreen trees provide shade all year long, which can help keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
2. They don’t lose their needles, so there is no need to clean up after them.
3. Evergreen trees are great for privacy fencing because they block sight lines. 
4. Evergreen trees are not fruit bearing, which means they don’t attract pests.
5. They have a longer lifespan than deciduous trees.
6. Evergreen trees grow slowly, so they are a great choice for people who don’t want to have to worry about pruning them often.

So, what’s the verdict? Deciduous or evergreen?

Well, that depends on your needs. If you need shade in the summer, then deciduous trees are a better option. If you want privacy fencing or need shade all year long, then evergreen trees are a better choice.

Deciduous trees are also great for fruit production, while evergreens are good for blocking sightlines. It really just comes down to what you need and want from your trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can evergreens be deciduous?

No, evergreens are not deciduous. Deciduous trees lose their leaves in the fall, while evergreen trees keep their needles all year long.

Do deciduous trees need more water than evergreens?

Yes, deciduous trees need to be watered more often than evergreens. Deciduous trees should be watered at least once a week during the summer months.

Are palm trees deciduous or evergreen?

Most palm trees are ever, but there are a few deciduous species. Deciduous palm trees lose their leaves in the fall, while evergreen palm trees keep their needles all year long.

Are cedar trees deciduous or evergreen?

Cedar trees can be either deciduous or evergreen, depending on the climate they are grown in. Cedar trees in cold climates tend to be evergreen, while cedar trees in warm climates tend to be deciduous.

Conclusion

Of the two, evergreen trees are more suitable to use in areas with cold winters, while deciduous trees will be a better choice for areas with warm and temperate climates.

From aesthetics to rare species, there are several reasons why deciduous trees are popular with owners of all kinds. Look over the pros, cons and their seasonal impact to make an educated decision when purchasing your very own deciduous or evergreen tree.