What Is the Importance of Evergreen Forests?
Evergreen forests are important for the protection and sustenance they provide for a wide variety of species ranging from birds to mammals. Evergreens also provide a number of decorative and practical uses for people.
The coniferous evergreens are important for a number of species all year long. The foliage camouflages bobcats, lynx and deer from predators when other trees are bare. Smaller animals like the snowshoe hare hop between low-hanging branches, staying close to the ground but far enough off it to travel without alerting predators to their presence.
During the winter, white-tailed deer eat the bark from white cedar branches to get sustenance, and porcupines gnaw on the bark that comes from cedar stems. Mourning doves build their nests within the shelter of the green foliage, safe from predators throughout the winter. Hawks and owls find perches in the upper reaches of the trees that are comfortable and provide a long-range view of potential prey.
The white pine tree is just one evergreen tree that has proven useful for people. White pine furniture is durable, and the cost of this wood is reasonable. Evergreen trees are a central part of Christmas decorations, from the tree itself to the holly and garlands that many people use to celebrate the season.
