Trees have different colored leaves because they use different pigments to stay healthy. Some trees, like maples, have lots of red pigments called anthocyanins, that's why they look red in the fall. Others, like oaks, show off their yellow pigments called carotenoids. The green ones are hiding until winter comes!
Examples
- A maple tree turns bright red while an oak tree becomes golden.
- Some trees look like they're wearing a dress made of flames in the fall.
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See also
- Why Do Some Trees Lose Their Leaves While Others Don't?
- Why Do Trees Lose Their Leaves in Autumn?
- Why Do Forests Change Color in Autumn?
- What is fall?
- How Does Evergreen vs. Deciduous Trees Work?