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Seasonal Affective Defoliation
- Maureen Floris
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
How autumn reminded me I’m not broken—just between blooms.
I may have mentioned this before, but my favourite part of nature is the trees. This fall, I’m struck by the beauty of the colours as the trees lose their leaves. As I walked through the layers of leaves on the ground beneath the nearly naked trees, I found myself asking, “How and why does this happen?” I must not have paid attention in school—or I’ve forgotten everything they told me; it was a long time ago, after all—because now all I do is ask why and how!
Thank goodness for Google, so I don’t have to use the 1974 15th edition set of Britannica Encyclopedias my mom bought from a travelling salesman! What I remember most from that set of 28 books was the beauty of the brown, leather-style binding with gold trim. They even smelled good. When I opened them, the thin pages felt like silk. The only thing I remember actually reading was about the moon landing—which, strangely enough, I can still picture: the black-and-white photo surrounded by tiny print. I don’t recall reading anything about trees, though I’m sure it was covered.
A couple of websites explained that during the warm summer months, photosynthesis happens. Leaves continually lose water through surface pores, which remain open to absorb carbon dioxide so photosynthesis can occur. This is, of course as we all know (eye roll), when the most abundant substance—chlorophyll, which creates the green colour of the leaves—converts the energy of sunlight into sugar and oxygen, which serve as food for the tree. The sugar is stored in twigs during the colder winter months until spring, when it’s warm enough to produce new leaves again.
At the end of the growing season, in late summer, a layer of cells begins to form at the base of the leaf stem, preventing the passage of minerals, water, and other nutrients from flowing out to the leaf. Eventually, this layer weakens the leaf’s attachment, and the wind snaps it free. Then, a waxy, waterproof substance seals the leaf scar.
If this miracle did not occur, the leaves would continue to lose moisture with no benefit to the tree. Once it becomes too cold for photosynthesis, the trees need to let go of their leaves; otherwise, the weight—especially from snow or ice—could cause branches to break, taking with them vital nutrients needed for the next growing season.
The fallen leaves also have a purpose. Not only do they provide shelter for small animals, but they also decompose with the help of bacteria, fungi, insects, and worms, converting into rich, healthy nutrients that are reabsorbed by the tree to keep it strong all year long.
What can we learn from this? It seems to me we all have “winter” seasons—times when we need to protect ourselves from hurt. We create a seal to give ourselves space to heal. The danger is when we stay in that winter season longer than necessary. Sometimes years pass before our bodies break down, crying out for the healing they desperately need.
“The bad news is: nothing lasts forever. The good news is: nothing lasts forever.” – J. Cole
I have lived with Chronic Fatigue for 30 years (unbeknownst to me until two years ago), and it wasn’t until I understood what my body was telling me that I could begin to heal. It continues to be a learning curve—lots of ups and downs, good days and bad—but when I watch the leaves fall and the trees stand bare, I remind myself: this too is a season. Even the hard winter seasons are vital to growth. They bring new nutrients and new neural pathways, making me stronger than the day before.
Instead of fighting the bad days, I’m learning to accept them—allowing myself more naps, more tea, and more hugs—so that tomorrow I can be stronger. And like trees, this isn’t meant to be done alone. Even trees communicate through their roots and the fungi underground, and through the air using pheromones and other scent signals. Healthy forests have trees that protect each other, send help when needed, and give warning signals when there’s danger. (The Whispering Trees – Smithsonian Magazine)
We all need a healthy community to come alongside us in our winter seasons so that, when someone else is facing theirs, we’re strong enough to support them. So, my friend, do not despair—winter only lasts for a season.
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