Why Leaves Change Color In Fall

Autumn orange leaf

Ever Wonder Why Leaves Change Color In Fall?

Every autumn we revel in the beauty of the fall colors. The mixture of red, purple, orange and yellow is the result of chemical processes that take place in the tree as the seasons change from summer to winter.

Fall LeavesDuring the spring and summer the leaves have served as factories where most of the foods necessary for the tree’s growth are manufactured. This food-making process takes place in the leaf in numerous cells containing chlorophyll, which gives the leaf its green color. This extraordinary chemical absorbs from sunlight the energy that is used in transforming carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrates, such as sugars and starch.

Along with the green pigment are yellow to orange pigments, carotenes and xanthophyll pigments which, for example, give the orange color to a carrot. Most of the year these colors are masked by great amounts of green coloring.

Chlorophyll Breaks Down

But in the fall, because of changes in the length of daylight and changes in temperature, the leaves stop their food-making process. The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellow to orange colors become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor.

At the same time other chemical changes may occur, which form additional colors through the development of red anthocyanin pigments. Some mixtures give rise to the reddish and purplish fall colors of trees such as dogwoods and sumacs, while others give the sugar maple its brilliant orange.

The autumn foliage of some trees show only yellow colors. Others, like many oaks, display mostly browns. All these colors are due to the mixing of varying amounts of the chlorophyll residue and other pigments in the leaf during the fall season.

Other Changes Take Place

As the fall colors appear, other changes are taking place. At the point where the stem of the leaf is attached to the tree, a special layer of cells develops and gradually severs the tissues that support the leaf. At the same time, the tree seals the cut, so that when the leaf is finally blown off by the wind or falls from its own weight, it leaves behind a leaf scar.

Fall LeavesMost of the broad-leaved trees in the North shed their leaves in the fall. However, the dead brown leaves of the oaks and a few other species may stay on the tree until growth starts again in the spring. In the South, where the winters are mild, some of the broad-leaved trees are evergreen; that is, the leaves stay on the trees during winter and keep their green color.

Only Some Trees Lose Leaves

Most of the conifers – pines, spruces, firs, hemlocks, cedars, etc. – are evergreen in both the North and South. The needle- or scale-like leaves remain green or greenish the year round, and individual leaves may stay on for two to four or more years.

Weather Affects Color Intensity

Temperature, light, and water supply have an influence on the degree and the duration of fall color. Low temperatures above freezing will favor anthocyanin formation producing bright reds in maples. However, early frost will weaken the brilliant red color. Rainy and/or overcast days tend to increase the intensity of fall colors. The best time to enjoy the autumn color would be on a clear, dry, and cool (not freezing) day.

Enjoy the color, it only occurs for a brief period each fall.

Text prepared by Carl E. Palm, Jr. …as featured on weather.com

Related Posts:

8 Plants For Winning Fall Color In Your Garden

The 3 Best Things You Can Do For Your Lawn This Fall

Allentuck Landscaping Co. is Your Residential Landscape Company

Phone: 301-515-1900 Email: info@allentucklandscaping.com

At Allentuck Landscaping Company, our mission is to create beautiful environments for people to enjoy. We see landscaping as a way to improve people’s lives.

The Allentuck Landscaping Company team has been a leading landscape company in Montgomery County, Maryland for over 28 years with our turnkey approach to landscape design, installation, construction and maintenance. Most companies try to serve many types of customers at the same time; homeowners, shopping centers, office buildings and the list goes on. At Allentuck Landscaping Co., we focus on one customer, you, the homeowner. We have a singular focus on bringing you the best landscape practices, the best customer service, and the best value for your home.

Services Provide – Master Landscape Plans, Complete Maintenance Programs, Plantings, Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls, Water Features, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Kitchens, Trellises & Pergolas, Irrigation Systems, Drainage Solutions, Grading & Sodding. Fire Pits & Fire Places, Spring Clean Ups, Decks, Fences, Mosquito & Tick Control, Deer Control.

Areas Served – Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, North Potomac, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Damascus, Boyds, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Urbana, Frederick in Maryland and Washington DC.

Top Solutions for Pooling Water in Your Yard

Pooling water in your yard is more than just an eyesore. It creates muddy messes, drowns your plants, attracts pests, and can even lead to foundation damage if left unchecked. Thankfully, you don’t have to live with soggy grass and standing puddles. With the right solutions for pooling water, you can protect your yard and enjoy a landscape that drains properly—even after a heavy rainstorm. Let’s dive into what might be causing the problem and the best ways to fix

READ MORE »

Selecting The Best Ice Melt Products For Your Home

Not All Ice Melt Products Are Right In Every Situation One of the questions our customers ask us the most is “Which ice melt products should we use”? Some products melt ice better than others, some are safe on concrete and some are not, and which ones will not harm plants. To give you the answer, we took a trip to Home Depot to see which products are readily available. Ice Melt Products And Your Landscape Sodium based ice melt

READ MORE »

How To Attract Birds In Winter

Attract Birds In Winter And Bring Your Garden To Life Ugh. It is winter. Gray, dull and down-right depressing at times. The lifeless landscape causes us to yearn for springtime, which can seem like forever in the future. One way to break the monotony is to attract birds to the winter landscape. Watching birds flirt around can brighten anyone’s day and they are easier to attract than one may think. Follow these simple guidelines to attract birds in winter. Provide

READ MORE »

Best Practices for Winter Pond Care: Tips for a Healthy Pond

Winter can be a challenging time for pond owners. As temperatures drop and ice begins to form, keeping your pond healthy requires some thoughtful preparation. Understanding the best practices for winter pond care not only protects your pond’s ecosystem but also ensures your equipment lasts through the colder months. Whether you’re wondering about turning off the pump, managing freezing conditions, or supporting your fish, a little planning now will save you time and effort later. In this guide, we’ll explore

READ MORE »

5 Top December Gardening Tips: Preparing Your Garden for Winter

As November settles in, the garden enters a period of winding down. But there’s still plenty to do to help your plants survive the coming winter and thrive come spring. Here are five top December gardening tips to keep your landscape healthy, vibrant, and ready for the cold season ahead. 1. Protect Perennials and Tender Plants For many gardeners, the risk of frost is looming, and November is the time to take protective measures: Mulch Perennials: Apply a layer of

READ MORE »

How Much Does a Front Walkway Cost?

Your front walkway is more than just a path; it’s the welcome mat to your home. It’s the first impression visitors get and a critical factor in your home’s curb appeal. Beyond looks, a well-designed walkway adds safety, guiding guests and family members safely to your door, day or night. But let’s get to the big question on every homeowner’s mind: How much does a front walkway cost? As you plan your project, it’s important to understand the factors that

READ MORE »