This proof-of-concept study examines the ability of broadleaved trees to shieldstructures from glowing embers in intense wildfires. Two types of broadleaved trees (arönn, Sorbus aucuparia, and a small group of björkar, Betula pendula) were selected astest targets and their shielding performance was compared with a conifer (a gran, Piceaabies). The simulated embers were a collection of fallen gran cones that were notburning. The cones were launched at the trees using a ball throwing toy for dogs. The rönnsuccessfully prevented 71 % of the cones from passing through its canopy, the björkarprevented 76 % of the cones from passing, and the gran prevented 95 % of the conesfrom passing. The results and observations during the tests indicate that low flyingembers are not prevented from passing through the rönn and björkar because they do nothave low canopies. The success rate depends heavily on whether the cones impact adense area of leaves. The gran has low branches and thick needles and thus can blockmost of the cones, however, it tended to trap the cones underneath, where they couldpotentially smoulder and ignite the tree.