• Track_Shovel@slrpnk.net
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    1 day ago

    Not bunk, but not an evolutionary strategy, I imagine. Leaves are dropped because they are too hard to maintain, rather than the benefit the trees get from mulching out competition.

    • sem@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      8 hours ago

      Depends on the type of tree – pine trees do benefit from the acidification of soil via their dropped needles - it reduces competition.