The Difference Between Angiosperm and Gymnosperm Trees

There are various tree species here in Indiana, ranging in color, size, shape, growth patterns, and more. But all trees can be categorized into one of two categories: deciduous or conifer. Deciduous trees shed their foliage in the fall and re-bloom them in the spring. Conifer trees, also known as evergreens, keep their foliage all year long. When trying to determine if a tree is an angiosperm or gymnosperm, your first step is to determine if it is a deciduous or conifer.

Continue reading to learn the difference between an angiosperm and gymnosperm in order to improve your tree identification skills!

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-590-1842

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-590-1842

Angiosperms

Angiosperms are a taxonomic class of flowering trees. These trees produce seeds that, when matured, is enclosed in an ovule (usually a fruit). For example, an apple is the mature seed that an angiosperm tree produces. The apple is the ovary, or ovule. Angiosperm trees lose their leaves in the fall, and regrow them in the spring, making them a deciduous tree. They are classified as hardwoods, and include species like oaks, maples, dogwoods, and more.

Gymnosperms

Gymnosperms are a taxonomic class of non-flowering trees that produce a mature seed that is not enclosed inside an ovule of any kind. A pine cone is a perfect example. Also known as “naked seed”, gymnosperm trees are softwoods, and do not lose their foliage in the winter. This makes this conifers. Species include pine trees, cedars, spruces, and firs.

General Rule:

🌲 Conifers are gymnosperms.
🌳 Deciduous trees are angiosperms.

Exceptions to the Rule:

🌲 Gymnosperm trees do lose their foliage in the winter, such as ginkgo, dawn redwood, and bald cypress trees.

🌳 Some angiosperms keep their leaves in the winter, such as live oak, sweet bay magnolia, and rhododendron trees.

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Budget Tree Care

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Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 to learn how we can help you with your tree concerns and tree service needs, today. From tree removal and tree trimming, to stump grinding, tree disease treatment, and more, our professionals are prepared to deliver exceptional Indianapolis tree service for both residential and commercial properties.

How to Protect Your Trees From Cold Temperatures

This time of year, many of those who have invested in nice landscaping are concerned about cold temperatures effecting their young and mature trees. They wonder if all this snow and cold weather can harm a tree’s health, or worse, kill it before warm weather emerges once again. The short answer to this question is yes.

Continue reading to learn how trees are affected by cold temperatures and extreme climate conditions we often see in winter, and what you can do to protect your trees year-round.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Indianapolis Tree Service 317-590-1842

Tree Health and Stability

Like virtually all living organisms, trees too can be negatively affected by cold temperatures and inclement weather. This is especially true for long bouts of extreme weather conditions. Several environmental elements, climates, and weather conditions can affect the overall health and stability of a tree. And from these harsh winter temperatures and weather, endless issues may arise. Trees can lose their water and nutrient supply during these seasons, which can eventually cause them to dry up from undernourishment and water deficiency. This commonly occurs when the ground freezes, thus prohibiting tree roots from absorbing water.

Another major concern in the wintertime is excessive snow accumulation, which can cause trees to bend and break. Of course a large tree that is also unstable is a hazard. Weak and vulnerable trees can fall on people, houses, cars, and buildings; causing costly repairs, or worse, injury and death. It is wise to prevent large amounts of snow from accumulating at the base of your trees for the above two examples. Not only will lack of snow prevent a weakening tree trunk, it will reduce the ground temperature, thus preventing the ground from freezing and the trees not being able to absorb water.

Preventative Maintenance for Winter

Fortunately, there are several ways you can protect your landscaping trees from suffering any harm caused by extreme cold and harsh winter climates. In order to protect trees in the winter, or during long periods of colder climates, is to be prepared and put in the needed effort. This starts with ensuring your trees are healthy before the winter approaches, so that they are in good condition to face harsh weather and cold temperatures.

Furthermore, it is important to keep nuisance wildlife and pests away from your trees, implement autumn pruning and trimming, and maintaining proper mulch levels. Even a late winter pruning can be beneficial to your trees, as it can provide extra protection against cold weather and snow. Consult with a local and trusted Indianapolis tree service provider for the best advice regarding winter tree care.

Affordable Winter Tree Service

Budget Tree Care

Budget Tree Care 317-590-1842

Call Budget Tree Care at 317-590-1842 for professional and affordable Indianapolis tree service. We are experienced tree care contractors who provide residential and commercial tree services, including both routine and major tree work. As out company name suggests, we have the tree service solutions that will fit your BUDGET! Call 317-590-1842 to request a free estimate, today.