That is close to 100% different from how I think!
It's because the chlorophyll (The stuff that makes plants green, a very important part in the photosynthesis, which is the process that turns CO2 and sunlight into O2, oxygen, and sugar, and thus is the very basis for all life on planet Earth) is retracted from the leaves by the tree in a chemical reaction to the cold (Leaving the leaves their original red), thereby killing the leaves and saving the plant from the pointless energy expense that keeping them nourished through winter would be. This could actually save the life of the tree.Originally Posted by Herzblut
And don't ask me why I remember that ...
(And, yes, I realize you didn't really want an answer :wink: )