As I am sure you know, leaves are very important in the life of a tree, since they are their kitchens of factories for energy production. And, it takes a lot of energy to make new leaves after the trees drop them during the autumn. So, having their new leaves protected in little buds gives the tree time to slowly nurture and nourish them until the cold and gloom of winter have gone and it is time to catch the sun again.
But, buds don’t just act as blankets, protecting the bay leaves from the cold. They also stop insects, birds and other organisms from damaging these important parts. This is why some buds are sticky or hairy, or have really tightly sealed bud scales. Then, when the weather and he sunlight is just right, they all unfold and open, allowing the buds to burst.
Did you know though, it is not just leaves inside those buds. While many tree buds do contain baby leaves, some house baby flowers (blackthorn) or catkins (willow) or even a bit of both. Why not keep an eye open the next time you take an early season nature walk and see which tree buds you can spot.