Trees in the temperate deciduous biome drop their leaves in the fall. That way they can survive a heavy snowstorm without risking their branches. Evergreen trees in the taiga keep their leaves, but their cone shape helps prevent damage. Branches droop downward, which helps shed excess snow. If the branches held more snow it would increase the chance of them breaking during a heavy storm. The needles help keep the trees warm during the winter and their waxy coating gives them protection from the freezing temperatures and keeps them from drying out.
