Nature Walk: Winter branches

Six months of each year most deciduous trees are leafless with barren branches. They are not really barren, however, since they are covered with new buds that formed in the fall. In this silver maple, they will become red with flowers in late April and new leaves will form in May. Buds also provide a rich food source for fox squirrels, gray squirrels and birds through the winter months. Take note of the trees in your area and you will see the buds of each species are unique.