Why Do Leaves Change Color in Fall? The Science Behind It
Every fall, trees turn into a burst of orange, red, and yellow. But why does this happen?
The Role of Chlorophyll
Leaves are green in spring and summer because of chlorophyll, a pigment that helps plants turn sunlight into food through photosynthesis.
But as days get shorter and colder in fall, trees start to slow down food production. The green chlorophyll breaks down and disappears — revealing other pigments that were hiding underneath all along.
The Hidden Colors Inside
- Carotenoids produce yellow and orange tones.
- Anthocyanins give leaves red and purple colors.
- These pigments are always present but hidden by green — until fall.
Why Trees Let Leaves Fall
This color change is part of a bigger process: trees prepare for winter. By dropping their leaves, they save water and energy, and protect themselves from freezing.
Final Thought
So when you see trees turning beautiful shades of red and gold, you’re actually watching plant chemistry in action — and nature getting ready to rest.