Differences between conifers and deciduous trees

Features of conifers

The pine-like (Conifers), as the biologist calls the trees, have various peculiarities. The leaves are not, as many think, long, thin needles on all conifers. Some, like the false cypress, have scale-like structures, while others, like stone slices, have broad, flat leaves.

The growth is typical of conifers. They have a main trunk with side branches, no branches that branch out widely. They grow with a conical crown when young. Only a few species form a flat crown with age.

The blossom of the trees is inconspicuous and the resulting seeds do not have a pulp shell. You are more naked. In most conifers, the small grains are stuck between the lignified scales of the cones.

Conifers are generally undemanding in terms of soil and temperature. They are considered pioneer plants. Firs, spruces and other trees that do not shed their needles do not tolerate air with pollutants very well. Larch trees shed their needles in winter and are less susceptible.

Many conifers secrete resins from the bark or cut wounds. The sticky substance is an important raw material for paints and varnishes.

This is characteristic of deciduous trees

Biologists base their classification on the seeds. All woody plants that are more cloudy belong to the deciduous trees. With this type of seed, pulp forms around the seed. A shrub is therefore also a Deciduous tree.

The trees have differently shaped leaves. Not all species shed their foliage in winter.

A clear difference to the Conifer there is in the growth. The trees usually have branched branches and grow more broadly.

Typical differences between the tree species

Hobby gardeners are surprised at how few differences there are between tree species when you look at them as a whole. Anyone who disregards unusual manifestations, such as a conifer that is not evergreen, comes up with a number of distinguishing criteria.

Differences between tree species
Conifers	Deciduous trees
More naked	More covered
slender, conical growth when young	broad branched growth with a crown or as a bush
mostly have needles	always have leaves
are mostly evergreens	predominantly deciduous
need few nutrients	need nutrient-rich soils
mostly sensitive to air pollution	most of them can take bad air

Deciduous or conifer - tips for the garden

Think about whether you want a green garden in summer and a barren garden in winter. Or would you like to see something green in winter too?

The advantage of a conifer is that it also has one in winter Privacy screen offers. He is undemanding and hardly needs any maintenance. At first glance, the benefits seem overwhelming.

Do not forget about its drawbacks. If you want shade in the garden, opt for a deciduous tree with a broad crown. A single conifer hardly provides any protection from the sun. In addition, the resin sticks the floor together.

If you want to be aware of the seasons in your garden, you need deciduous trees. They announce spring with blossoms and delicate young green. They adorn in summer with magnificent foliage and often beautiful fruits. In autumn the colorful leaves are a feast for the eyes. The fallen leaves cause quite a bit of work, but are also mulch for your beds.

If you fruit If you want to enjoy from your own garden, you need deciduous trees, because the seeds are one of the important differences between deciduous and coniferous trees. Naked fruits never have edible fruits.

Combinations are often the best solution. So you have a wonderful, diverse garden all year round.