Why do ginkgo leaves turn golden yellow in autumn?

The ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) is a deciduous plant, meaning it sheds its leaves as it prepares for winter dormancy. As autumn approaches, the tree responds to environmental cues such as declining day length and falling temperatures.12

During the growing season, ginkgo leaves appear green due to the presence of chlorophyll, a photosynthetic pigment. As the tree enters its dormant phase, this chlorophyll begins to break down. This process reveals other pigments, specifically carotenoids, which are yellow and orange pigments that were previously masked by the green chlorophyll. Consequently, the leaves transition to their characteristic golden yellow color before eventually falling from the tree.321