[David Attenborough voice]

Although summer has begun to wane, a new energy permeates this broadleaf forest: the trees’ yearly mating ritual is underway.

[cut to trees]

Young male trees bustle with excitement, eager to compete for the favor of neighboring females.

[cut to David Attenborough standing in front of a tree]

However, courtship is a costly ceremony. This tree, [pointing] is just beginning a dance intended to woo nearby potential mates. It’s much too slow for the human eye to perceive, but we can speed things up.

[timelapse tree footage]

First, the male begins swiveling his branches to and fro, rustling at a much higher frequency than usual. Impressive–but the dance still lacks a vital ingredient: color.

[closeup of leaf]

The tree achieves this much-desired vibrancy by cutting off circulation to his outer leaves, turning them bright red and orange. The strategy isn’t without risk, as entering autumn too early can have severe consequences.

[cut to pair of trees]

Luckily for this male, his efforts have paid off. And since trees mate for life, he’ll never have to worry again.

[…]