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Doesn't everyone love to rake leaves... just to JUMP into the pile!? Those fallen leaves have a very important purpose. You see, leaves lose lots of water. Root activity and water absorption slow down in the winter. So, the dropping leaves help trees like my Grandma conserve their water supply for the harsh winter months. They also get rid of waste products that have built up in our leaves during our growing season. (mouse-over the photo for a close-up of the forest floor).
Of course, you know that some trees have green leaves (or needles) all year around; they're called evergreens. But that doesn't mean they KEEP the same needles all year around. Evergreens continuously shed and then replace their needles. Individual needles can live about 3 - 4 years.
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