Why Do Trees Shrink in the Winter?

Trees seem to get smaller in the winter because they lose water. In cold weather, the water inside the tree freezes, and it can’t escape through the leaves like it does in summer. This makes the tree look shrunk up, like a deflated balloon.

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Examples

  1. A tree looks smaller after snow falls on it
  2. The front yard’s oak tree seems shorter during the winter months
  3. Your favorite maple tree appears more shriveled when you walk past it in December

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