Why Do Leaves

Change Color in

the Fall?

Created by: Jessie Kraai

In the Spring and

Summer days are

long and nights

are short

therefore, there is

more sun to help

trees grow.

In the Fall, the days become short

and the nights become long.

Chlorophyll is what makes leaves green.

It helps the leaf use sunlight to feed itself.

In the Spring and

Summer, chlorophyll is

always being made and

broken down which

keeps the leaf healthy

and green.

As the night becomes longer,

chlorophyll is not able to process as

quickly and is eventually destroyed.

When the

Chlorophyll is

gone, the other

parts of the leaf

are able to come

out and show

their color.

What COLORSdo leaves change?

Oak Trees turn red or brown.

Hickory Trees turn golden bronze.

Beech Trees turn light tan.

Aspen Trees turn golden yellow.

Dogwood Trees turn purple/red.

Maples turn many different COLORS!

Fallen leaves have many uses:

• They break down and become soil with

nutrients for forest grounds.

• They absorb and hold rainfall.

• Food for soil organisms

There is to be no worrying about

leaves falling off the trees, it is a

natural way of life for trees!

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Information site:

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