Leaves change color in the fall due to a process related to daylight hours. As days grow shorter in fall, chlorophyll production slows and the green pigment breaks down, revealing other colors like yellows, oranges and reds that were there all along. Different tree species like maples and oaks exhibit distinctive fall colors. Fallen leaves decompose to enrich the soil as part of the natural cycle.

1. Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall? Created by: Jessie Kraai

2. In the Spring and Summer days are long and nights are short therefore, there is more sun to help trees grow.

3. In the Fall, the days become short and the nights become long.

4. Chlorophyll is what makes leaves green. It helps the leaf use sunlight to feed itself.

5. In the Spring and Summer, chlorophyll is always being made and broken down which keeps the leaf healthy and green.

6. As the night becomes longer, chlorophyll is not able to process as quickly and is eventually destroyed.

7. When the Chlorophyll is gone, the other parts of the leaf are able to come out and show their color.

8. And…

9. We get colorful leaves!

10. What COLORSdo leaves change?

11. Oak Trees turn red or brown. Hickory Trees turn golden bronze. Beech Trees turn light tan.

12. Aspen Trees turn golden yellow. Dogwood Trees turn purple/red. Maples turn many different COLORS!

13. 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

14. 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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