“Leaves Changing Color?  But why?”

By Scott Lee

 

You may have noticed that there are changes a happenin’ with our trees.  The question is, “Why?”  Actually, there are a number of factors that come together to make this happen:

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-Chlorophyll is the biggie.  It is produced in the leaves during the spring and summer, giving them their green color.  As the days get shorter and cooler, chlorophyll production slows up and eventually stops, fading the green color.

As this happens, pigments such as anthocyanin and carotenoid are then revealed - anthocyanins producing reds and carotenoids producing the yellows and browns.

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-Weather conditions also factor in, as the most vibrant colors happen when it is dry, sunny, and cool (but not freezing) while cloudy, damp, or warm weather create less vibrant colors.

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-The location of the tree also factors in.  Those in direct sunlight tend to turn more red, while those on shaded trees more yellow.

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-The type of tree, of course, also matters.  For example, sugar maples can have brilliant oranges or reds, while the beeches can be more of a golden bronze.

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-Frost, especially a few hard ones, can cause leaves to wither and fall off before they even have a chance to change color.

 

The fact still remains that the fall in and all around the refuge are always incredible (albeit some better than others), so get outside and enjoy it …. and don’t forget your cameras!