I always assumed this season is named “Fall” because leaves are falling off the trees, withered and blown off the branches by the cold, dry wind. I was fascinated to learn from NPR recently that something else is happening. It’s dangerous for a tree to carry leaves during the winter; they get weighed down with snow and tear off branches, or they die when it freezes and hamper future growth. So as the days grow shorted and colder, deciduous trees produce a chemical signal that causes branches to sever their connection to the leaves. Then all it takes is a slight breeze to finish the job. In other words, trees “push” their leaves off before they cause trouble. The beauty of fall is an enjoyable side effect of trees adapting to the changing season.
Falling Vs. Letting Go
Falling Vs. Letting Go
Falling Vs. Letting Go
I always assumed this season is named “Fall” because leaves are falling off the trees, withered and blown off the branches by the cold, dry wind. I was fascinated to learn from NPR recently that something else is happening. It’s dangerous for a tree to carry leaves during the winter; they get weighed down with snow and tear off branches, or they die when it freezes and hamper future growth. So as the days grow shorted and colder, deciduous trees produce a chemical signal that causes branches to sever their connection to the leaves. Then all it takes is a slight breeze to finish the job. In other words, trees “push” their leaves off before they cause trouble. The beauty of fall is an enjoyable side effect of trees adapting to the changing season.