Autumn Leaves on Winter Trees.

I was wondering why some trees retain their autumn leaves and others don't and this is what I read - The hypothesis is that retaining leaves until spring could be a means of slowing the decomposition of the leaves (which would rot faster on the ground) and that dropping them in spring delivers organic material, much like compost or mulch, at a time when it is most needed by the growing tree.

Isn't nature clever.

Thank you very much Jaap.

Thank you Keith. In winter, any colour we can get in a picture is a bonus. I am soooo looking forward to spring and all the new, brightly coloured shoots :-)