Bursting Branches and More: Facts about Trees in Winter
Updated January 15, 2024
After the magical colors of autumn, trees may seem a little boring. But these 15 winter tree facts for kids will help children connect to the wonder of trees during winter.
Want to help your child or classroom learn about nature in winter? These winter tree facts are the perfect addition to:
Winter Tree Facts
Deciduous is the special word for trees that lose their leaves in winter.
Evergreen trees stay green all winter. They are forever green.
Conifer trees, with pinecones and needles, are types of evergreen trees.
Pine, fir, and spruce trees are the most popular Christmas trees.
Conifers have flexible branches to keep heavy snow from snapping their branches.
In late winter, a tree will form buds. Buds are the start of leaves and flowers that will grow in the spring.
Winter is a special time for trees because it’s the only time we can easily see their unique branch skeletons.
During winter, trees are busy growing their roots.
Trees have water inside them. This could be very bad for trees when water freezes and expands in the cold winter. Luckily, trees have evolved. Their cells change in winter to make room for frozen water.
Sometimes though, it gets so cold that trees will pop and snap if too much water freezes and bursts through branches.
Collecting maple syrup is called tapping. Tapping happens at the end of winter, in February and March.
Conifer trees keep their needles to save energy. Trees keep needles, so they don’t have to grow new ones in the spring.
Holly trees are evergreen trees. Their pointy, twisted leaves are shaped so too much snow won’t pile on them.
The pine needles and leaves in evergreens have a waxy coating. This keeps them from losing water in the wind and dry winter air.
Pine is one of the most popular winter scents. Pine candles, Christmas trees, and even boiling pine needles can give your home a lovely pine smell.
I hope that somewhere in this list of winter tree facts for kids, you found the perfect conversation starter for your child or classroom. These interesting winter tree facts will help prepare you and your child to learn and explore the coldest season.
If you share any of these with your child, please comment and share any adorable, hilarious, or brilliant ways they responded.
