Why Leaves Fall

Look at the trees in autumn. The green leaves change color. They turn red, yellow, and brown. Then, they fall to the ground. Why does this happen?

Trees need water and food to live. In spring and summer, the sun shines a lot. Days are long. Trees make food in their green leaves.

Winter brings cold weather. Days are short. There is less sun. Trees cannot make food now. They go to sleep for the winter.

Leaves need a lot of water. In winter, water in the ground freezes. Trees cannot drink frozen water.

To save water, trees push the leaves off. The leaves fall down. The tree rests.

When spring comes back, the weather gets warm. New green leaves grow on the trees.

What color are the leaves on your favorite tree?