It’s that time of year where the weather gets colder and the leaves on the deciduous trees (trees which drop their leaves) begin to change colour.
Why do tree leaves lose their green colour? Before we can answer that question, it is important to know what makes leaves green. Inside all the leaves' cells are pigments called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is what allows the leaves to absorb light and convert it into energy that can be used by the tree. Chlorophyll absorbs blue and red light and as a result reflects the green colour we see.
When the trees begin to go dormant for the winter, the chlorophyll will start to break down. The shorter days mean less sunlight and this is a signal to many species that winter is coming. Green chlorophyll is one of four pigments inside the leaves. As the chlorophyll breaks down we see the other pigments show through. They are actually there the whole season but the chlorophyll prevents us from seeing them! The other pigments are xanthophylls which appears yellow in leaves, carotenoids which appears orange, and anthocyanins which shows red.
When the leaves eventually turn brown, it means the additional three pigments have also broken down, just like chlorophyll. 
Important: Don't Rake Leaves!
Fallen leaves are free, natural mulch and fertilizer for your lawn and garden. Fallen leaves are a natural part of the decomposition cycle and they help feed other plants and insects when they start re-growing in the spring. You only have to go over them with the lawnmower, and allow some time to pass before you won't even remember that they were there! Your yard will thank you!
Activity Corner
Falling leaves offer hours of entertainment! Here are a few ways to make the most of it:
- Catching leaves: Challenge your family and friends to try and catch as many leaves falling from the tree before they touch the ground. On a windy day, set a timer for five minutes. Whoever catches the most leaves from the air in that time wins!
- Leaf pile jumping: I’m sure many of you have done this before, but that probably means it’s a lot of fun.
- Leaf crafts: There are endless leaf crafts for people for all ages. Here are a few ideas:
- Using a metallic marker draw and create new patterns on leaves you’ve collected. (these can make great name tags for your thanksgiving dinner)
- Make a wreath out of fall leaves by sticking them together with mod podge. Cut out a cardboard ring to glue them too.
- Collect your favourite fall leaves and learn how to press them in a book to preserve them.
