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Why do leaves change color?

10/21/2019

1 Comment

 
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We know that leaves change color in the fall and then fall off the trees.  We know that this is a sign that the tree is going to “sleep” because winter is coming.  But what is the actual science behind leaves changing color?  Read on to find out...
 
During the spring and summer, trees have green leaves because of the chlorophyll within the leaves’ cells.  Chlorophyll is a key player in photosynthesis because it traps light energy from the sun, which is then used to produce food for tree growth.   Leaves always have many other colored pigments within them (some of the pretty colors we see in the fall), but during the spring and summer, there is so much chlorophyll within the leaves that the green “masks” the other colors.
 
In the fall, trees prepare for winter.  Due to the lack of sunlight during the winter, it is not “energy efficient” for the trees to retain their leaves.  With little or no sunlight, they cannot produce food (or produce very little) through photosynthesis so they essentially have no use for their leaves.  In anticipation of winter, trees reabsorb nutrients, including chlorophyll, from the leaves.  The chlorophyll is broken down and the green color disappears, revealing the orange and yellow pigments.  A little more complicated science and the tree drops their leaves.  This helps the tree conserve water and energy.
 
Evergreen trees lose their needles too, just not all at once.  New needles grow every year, and needles only live so long (2-5 years).  So, older needles will often shed in the fall.  It is not as noticeable as deciduous trees however, because there are still likely many green needles remaining on the tree.
 
Our world and the science behind things is quite amazing, isn’t it?

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Let’s Learn the Health Benefits of Big Leaf Indoor Plants link
2/23/2023 12:00:07 pm

Once you learn the health benefits of big leaf indoor plants, you will never take them off from home. Thus, Big Leaf indoor plants can make your home look cozy and bear a health impact. Look at the list down below to have an idea of what indoor plants’ health favours towards us-

What if I say big leaf indoor plants help you breathe pristine air? While inside the home? Yes, these plants absorb airborne particles and make the air pure. They absorb benzene and formaldehyde.
These plants help to increase moisture and humidity in the house.
Particulate matter absorption is another divinity of big leaf indoor plants. According to research, the particulate matter accumulation is 20% more when the plants are in the periphery of a room.
The inside plants can reduce stress, increase productivity, and reduces blood pressure.
Another thing, the plants maintain the work spirit. According to a study, people with foliage plants inside the home are more likely to do their jobs properly, and in the office, they remain happy if they have plants.
How good the big leaf indoor plants are! The above points are not the only values of indoor plants, the list is longer. These are findings of a study on “indoor plant’s health benefits” by Washington State University.

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Antrim Conservation District

Our Land. 
Our Water. 
​Our County.  

Promoting the conservation, informed usage, and protection of Antrim County's natural resources since 1944.


Location

4820 Stover Rd.  Bellaire, MI 49615

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Office hours 8a-4p

Phone: 231-533-8363

​Email: antrimcd@macd.org

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