HORTICULTURE

Detailed explanation-1: -Deciduous trees shed their leaves to survive. Once the winter has passed, the soil loses most of its moisture content. Since there is a derth off water, the tree must conserve all the water it needs to survive. It does so by shedding leaves which utilise water for photosynthesis.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are several reasons why deciduous trees lose their leaves: It means the tree spends less energy through the harsh winter. It conserves moisture within the trunk and keeps it from drying out. It allows wind to blow through the branches, putting less strain on the tree – a serious concern in winter storms and gales.

Detailed explanation-3: -Winter temperatures cause the production of auxin to slow down and this breaks the abscission layer, causing the leaves to detach from the trees. Losing leaves helps the tree to retain water during in the winter and means that it needs less energy to stay alive. The fallen leaves help to add nutrients to the soil.

Detailed explanation-4: -The main reason for leaf drop on most trees is that, come winter, it gets pretty cold and dry in our part of the world. Rather than expend energy to protect these fragile organs, trees shed leaves to conserve resources.

Detailed explanation-5: -The leaves of the deciduous trees have a tendency to lose water. But during the dry season, water is scarce. Hence, deciduous trees shed their leaves to prevent water loss.