What happens when leaves are gone?

When leaves go away, trees get ready for winter like a person takes off their coat when it gets cold.

Trees are like big, sleepy friends who wear cozy blankets, leaves are the blankets. When the weather gets chilly, they take off their blankets so they can rest better.

1. The tree sends a message down its branches saying, "It's time to let go!"
2. The leaves get tired and fall off, just like you might drop your napkin after finishing your snack.
3. Without the leaves, the tree uses less energy, it’s like turning off the lights in every room of a big house.

The tree is now all tucked in for winter. It doesn’t have to work as hard because there's no sun to catch and no wind to feel. The leaves will come back when the weather warms up again, just like your blanket comes back when you're ready to play outside!