Trees
by
Mrs. Sheffield
There are many kinds of trees in Georgia. Trees grow in all of the state's regions. They can be found in rural areas, in forests, in neighborhoods, and in cities.
Trees are plants. They need water, soil, sunlight, and air to live. A healthy tree can live many years.
During a one year span, some trees show many changes. These trees are called deciduous trees. In the summer, a deciduous tree has many dark green leaves.
During the fall months, a deciduous tree's leaves change colors. A deciduous tree may have leaves that are red, yellow, orange, brown, or green. The leaves will begin to fall to the ground as the season ends.
The deciduous tree has no leaves during the winter months. Even though its branches are bare, the tree is still living. It patiently waits for the warmer temperatures of spring.
As the sun warms up the ground and the rain adds water to the soil, the tree begins to sprout new leaves during the spring months. The leaves are often lighter green as they begin to grow. Some deciduous trees have beautiful blossoms in early spring.
As spring turns into summer, the deciduous tree's leaves turn darker green and become thicker on the branches. The tree has completed its cycle. It will continue to go through this same cycle year after year.
A coniferous tree is another kind of tree. It does not go through the same annual cycle as the deciduous tree.
Coniferous trees are also called evergreen trees. Their needle-like leaves are thin and pointy. They have cones, too. A coniferous tree stays green all year. Pine trees and fir trees are types of coniferous trees.
Trees are important natural resources. They provide wood for goods such as paper and furniture. They provide food and shelter for people and animals. They provide shade to keep us cool and oxygen for us to breathe. Trees also provide beauty to our world.