Have you wondered why trees are bare in the coldest seasons?

Every fall, all over the colder regions of the world, trees are transforming for winter. Through spring and summer, their leaves are actively producing fuel through the act of photosynthesis. However, the beginning of freezing temperatures retrains the photosynthesis process. In the winter, food manufacturing comes to a halt, and trees shut down; their leaves transform from green to yellow, orange, and red.

Astonishingly, each leaf’s stem forms a special layer of cells, creating a barrier that prevents water distribution allowing the leaf to detach without harm to the tree. As spring arrives, the tree forms new leaves that are neatly designed buds with weather-resistant scales in order to endure inclement weather. As warmer weather pursues, the buds unfold into new leaves, and supply next year’s food factory.

What an amazing system God has created for trees!

(Source: Joanne E. De Jonge – The Rustling Grass 1985 pp.121-132)