Have you heard of Deciduous Trees? They are a fascinating group of plants that shed their leaves seasonally. This unique adaptation allows them to survive in regions with distinct seasonal variations, especially in temperate climates. Unlike evergreen trees, which retain their foliage throughout the year, deciduous trees undergo a process called “abscission” during Autumn.
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, deciduous trees begin to prepare for Winter. The production of chlorophyll (the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis), slows down and eventually ceases. As chlorophyl breaks down, other pigments in the leaves, such as carotenoids (yellow and orange) and anthocyanins (red and purple), become more prominent.
This magical transformation of deciduous trees is not only visually stunning, but also serves a vital ecological purpose. By shedding their leaves, these trees minimise water loss and prevent damage during harsh winter conditions.
It is at this point that the beauty of Coir Fibre Matting comes into play. Coir Fibre Matting can absolutely change the game when it comes to tree health during the shedding phase.
Coir Fibre Matting provides a physical barrier protection against weeds, which is important for all plants and trees. Weeds compete with trees for essential resources like water, nutrients and even sunlight. Eliminating this competition by laying down Coir Fibre, allows deciduous trees to absorb resources more efficiently, promoting healthier and faster growth. A win/ win really.
During the winter months, water retention can be tricky for deciduous trees as leaves contain a high-water content, which makes them susceptible to freezing temperatures. By shedding their leaves, deciduous trees minimise the risk of damage caused by freezing. Without leaves, the tree’s branches and twigs are more resilient, as they contain less water and can conserve the resource for growth in the root and base of the tree. Coir Fibre Matting naturally has incredible water holding capabilities, meaning the plants are taken care of and no one goes thirsty. In turn, this allows the water to be disbursed gradually and effectively to your tree’s roots, again promoting healthy growth, and preventing potentially deadly conditions like root rot.
The physical barrier that Coir Fibre Matting provides doesn’t just protect from pesky weeds. It also provides a warm hug for your tree, shielding your soil and roots from extreme weather. This helps to maintain a more stable temperature at soil level. Also, by shielding the tree roots from freezing in Winter, as well as from overheating during summer, your tree is going to be a lot happier and healthier.
We mentioned earlier that deciduous trees provide a vital ecological purpose. To expand on that, the Autumn foliage provides an essential food source for various wildlife. Birds, insects, and mammals rely on the seeds, fruits, and shelter provided by deciduous trees to survive through the Winter months. The co-dependence between these trees and the ecosystem highlights the importance of deciduous trees and the reasons to protect and nurture them.
The phenomenon of deciduous trees losing their leaves in Winter is an essential adaption that ensures their survival. By shedding their leaves, these trees conserve resources, preserve water, and protect themselves from the freezing temperatures. When combined with coir fibre weed/mulch mats, the growth of deciduous trees can be further enhanced.
We hope that the next time you come across the bare branches of a deciduous trees during these colder months, you remember all the hidden marvels that are occurring beneath the surface. If you are looking to give your plants and trees a little extra love this winter, shop our Coir Fibre Matting
here and see for yourself how they work in your garden.