![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_019b9976233d4394b352f0b067f03645~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_95,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/2d1f59_019b9976233d4394b352f0b067f03645~mv2.jpg)
The characteristic sloped, needled branches of conifers are designed that way for a reason.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_a3269de46edc4357b251bb80d211b01b~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_183,h_275,al_c,q_80,blur_3,enc_auto/2d1f59_a3269de46edc4357b251bb80d211b01b~mv2.jpg)
Their natural downward slope helps snow slide off so that it doesn’t damage the branches.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_e6a364bd3e60447b9455a7731836ac48~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_52,h_60,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/2d1f59_e6a364bd3e60447b9455a7731836ac48~mv2.jpg)
The smooth, waxy texture of the needles also helps gently repel snow.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2d1f59_028b2ae85f674e3cb64c457e12917b1e~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_183,h_275,al_c,q_80,blur_3,enc_auto/2d1f59_028b2ae85f674e3cb64c457e12917b1e~mv2.jpg)