Why Do Leaves Fall in Autumn?

Walking through piles of fallen leaves and collecting the most colorful ones is one of the best parts of fall. But have you ever wondered why leaves change color and fall to the ground? Here’s the answer.

Leaves are packed with chlorophyll, the pigment that gives them their vibrant green color. Chlorophyll acts like a “solar panel” for trees, absorbing sunlight to produce food through photosynthesis. However, as autumn arrives, the days get shorter, and there is less sunlight. This decrease in light reduces the production of chlorophyll in the leaves.

As the chlorophyll breaks down and fades, the green color disappears, revealing the other pigments in the leaves, such as yellows, oranges, and reds. These pigments create the stunning multicolored autumn scenery we love.

Once the leaves lose their green chlorophyll, they become less useful to the tree. In fact, keeping leaves in winter would make the tree more vulnerable to cold temperatures. To protect itself, the tree forms a barrier at the base of each leaf stem, cutting off the leaf’s supply of water and nutrients. Without these vital supplies, the leaves dry out, die, and eventually fall to the ground.

So next time you see the beautiful colors of autumn, you’ll know it’s all part of nature’s preparation for winter. Enjoy the fall colors in your area while they last!