Deciduous trees

Deciduous trees or shrubs are ones that seasonally shed all their foliage, typically in autumn or winter. Deciduous trees are very common, and some of the most common ones in Victoria are dogwood, birch, cottonwood, chestnut, and maple trees. If your deciduous tree has shed its leaves this is natural and should not cause worry as long as it’s occurring during the expected time of autumn or winter. If your deciduous tree is losing its foliage at other times of the year that may be a sign of stress. Extreme heat and drought in the summers can put stress on your trees or a cold start to spring can also delay the regrowth of foliage. If the loss of foliage is due to heat and drought, be sure to water your trees more than usually during this time to keep your trees healthy.

How to care for your deciduous trees

To care for your deciduous trees, you must give them proper soil, water, sunlight, and pruning. Deciduous trees like well draining soil that has lots of organic matter. They should be watered thoroughly and regularly when first planted, and then on an as needed basis once they’re established. Your deciduous trees should be in full sun or partial shade, and they should only be pruned while dormant in the winter. As with all trees, keep an eye on them regularly to keep pests and diseases away.

What's the difference between evergreen and deciduous trees?

The other type of tree is an evergreen. Most evergreen trees have needles instead of leaves. Some common evergreen trees in Victoria are spruce, pine, hemlock, cedar, fir, and yew trees. Common evergreen shrubs in Victoria are camellia, holly, rhododendron, boxwood and barberry. Unlike the deciduous, evergreen trees do not shed all their needles or leaves or go dormant over winter. Although they do not shed completely, it is perfectly normal for your evergreen tree to lose many needles in autumn. The oldest needles will be shed to make room for new growth to come through. If your evergreen tree is experiencing heavy needle loss at other times of the year it is likely a sign of stress. Extreme heat or drought can have similar effects on evergreen trees as it does on deciduous trees. Lack of water combined with intense sunlight can cause the pines to become damaged and fall off. During those times of intense heat, be sure to water your trees more frequently to keep them healthy.