Trees are big plants. They have roots, a trunk, and leaves. Most trees are green.
Why are trees green?
Trees have a special color inside. It is called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll helps trees eat. Trees use sunlight to make food. This process is photosynthesis. Chlorophyll catches the sunlight. It makes the leaves look green.
Why do trees need food?
Trees need food to grow. They grow tall. They grow wide. Strong roots hold the tree in the ground. The trunk carries water from the roots to the leaves. Sunlight turns the water and air into sugar. This sugar is the tree's food.
Do all trees stay green?
Some trees stay green all year. These are evergreen trees. Pine trees are evergreen. They have needles instead of flat leaves. Other trees change color. In autumn, the days get shorter. The trees stop making food. The green color fades. Leaves turn yellow, orange, or red. Then, the leaves fall off. The tree rests in winter. In spring, new green leaves grow again.
Trees help us.
Trees give us oxygen. We need oxygen to breathe. Trees also give us shade. On a hot day, it is cool under a tree. Birds live in trees. Squirrels climb trees. Nature is happy with many trees.
Look at the trees near your home. Are they green today?