Autumn Colors

In summer, tree leaves are green. This is because they contain a chemical called chlorophyll, which they use to make food from sunlight. ( 1 ) autumn comes, the days get shorter and colder. This tells the tree to prepare for winter. The tree stops making food, and the green chlorophyll begins to disappear.

As the green color fades, other colors that were hidden underneath become visible. These are colors like yellow and orange. ( 2 ), some trees make red chemicals in autumn, especially when days are bright and nights are cool. That is why maple leaves turn bright red.

The beautiful autumn colors are actually a sign that the leaves are dying. Soon, they will turn brown and fall off the tree. The tree will rest until spring, ( 3 ) new green leaves will grow again.

Autumn Colors

In summer, tree leaves are green. This is because they contain a chemical called chlorophyll, which they use to make food from sunlight. ( 1 ) autumn comes, the days get shorter and colder. This tells the tree to prepare for winter. The tree stops making food, and the green chlorophyll begins to disappear.

As the green color fades, other colors that were hidden underneath become visible. These are colors like yellow and orange. ( 2 ), some trees make red chemicals in autumn, especially when days are bright and nights are cool. That is why maple leaves turn bright red.

The beautiful autumn colors are actually a sign that the leaves are dying. Soon, they will turn brown and fall off the tree. The tree will rest until spring, ( 3 ) new green leaves will grow again.