SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/kid-leaves-change-color

In fall, the green leaves on a maple tree turn red and yellow. Why?

The green chlorophyll breaks down and other colors show.

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  1. The green color breaks down ✔
  2. Rain washes the green away
  3. Cold air dyes the leaves

Why: With less daylight, the tree stops keeping its green chlorophyll. When the green breaks down, colors that were hiding show.

Huh, didn't know that: In a cool fall, red maple leaves look even brighter.

The dad joke
What did the tree say when autumn came? Leaf me alone!
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References

Answer: The green color breaks down. With less daylight, the tree stops keeping its green chlorophyll. When the green breaks down, colors that were hiding show.

  1. National Park Service: Why Do Leaves Change in the Fall? www.nps.gov/articles/why-do-leaves-change-in-the-fall.htm
    Once the chlorophyll breaks down, the other pigments that weren't visible to the human eye before are now on full display!
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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