What are the main characteristics of deciduous forests?

The main characteristics of deciduous forests

The deciduous forests are forests that are situated between 40° and 60° north and south of the equator. The forests go through four distinct seasons which are winter, spring, fall and summer and are characterized by high rainfall, warm summers and cooler winters. The trees in the deciduous forest lose their leaves in the winter and the soil is very fertile as the leaves that drops decay to form organic matter and helps in the growth of plants in the spring. Large broad trees such as oak, beech and elm along with shrubs such as hazel, ash and grasses can be found in the deciduous forests.