Ever wonder what happens to trees in the Fall?
/Beautiful fall colors of red, yellow, and orange - this is what everyone looks forward to this time of year. But what really happens to our trees as they prepare for our harsh Indiana winters?
“For many people, autumn weather brings a welcomed time of the year. Adding to the pleasure of the season are the vibrant colors displayed in nature. Leaf pigment, the physics of light, weather conditions, plant species, and geography all play important roles in the color of autumn.” (Treesaregood.com)
The first reason for the change in our trees is dropping temperatures. “With declining autumn temperatures, tree leaves stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment of photosynthesis. As the green color fades, yellow carotenoid pigments already present in the leaves are unmasked.” (University of Illinois)
In addition, “while trees are responding to the cooler temperatures, they are also reacting to the shorter day lengths of autumn.” Believe it or not, “some trees respond to the stimulus of shortening day length by dropping all their leaves within a period of a few short days or even hours.” (University of Illinois)
Finally, “Along with the visible color changes and leaf fall, deciduous trees undergo other important changes as winter approaches. Some of these changes permit the living tissue to “harden,” so that it can withstand the potential damage due to sub-freezing temperatures.” (University of Illinois)
Now that you know the reasons for changes in our trees, which ones will give you the best color display in the Fall? In Indiana, maple trees are a very common, but there are multiple varieties. So which ones give you the best color? According to the Arbor Day Foundation, Sugar Maple, Red Maple, and Japanese Maple are good choices for a beautiful final red leaf color. Also, Sassafras and Sweetgum give you a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, and finally red leaves before they completely fall. Add any of these trees to your landscape, and you’re sure to have a beautiful fall display every year.
Browning Tree Service is a proud member of Indiana Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, serving the West Lafayette and Lafayette, Indiana area!
Resources:
https://www.arborday.org/shopping/trees/topfalltrees.cfm
https://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/newsroom/AutumnBeauty_Oct12.pdf
