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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