What makes Tree change their color? Why are they sometimes dull?
Do you ever wonder what makes leaves change color in Autumn?
What about why some years they are bright,
others. . . not so much-
Every fall we marvel at the bright colors. This change signals the “most satisfying season” according to psychological studies but some years the “marvel” is less than others.
First, why do leaves change? (*non-technical)
The intensity of leaf color in the fall is mostly due to weather patterns throughout the summer and early fall. A good “growing season” with ample moisture, and plenty of sunlight make for a healthy tree (thus brighter color potential). Drastic changes, drought, and other weather patterns can effect the tree’s health causing a blander leaf in the fall. Once the tree starts changing (September), the tree is in an especially sensitive period.
The Red/Orange/ Yellow colored chemicals are actually in the leaf all summer. However, they are hidden behind the green color we see (Chlorophyll). The tree stops producing Chlorophyll when sunlight starts getting and the tree actually begins “cutting off” it’s connection to the leaf. As the green diminishes- we see the bright aura of colors that are left behind until leaves fall (BTW- EFynch offers raking and leaf service providers).
So what does this mean for us. . . . ?
The Red/Orange/ Yellow colored chemicals are actually in the leaf all summer. However, they are hidden behind the green color we see (Chlorophyll). The tree stops producing Chlorophyll when sunlight starts getting and the tree actually begins “cutting off” it’s connection to the leaf. As the green diminishes- we see the bright aura of colors that are left behind until leaves fall (BTW- EFynch offers raking and leaf service providers).
So what does this mean for us. . . . ?
This year the Baltimore and Washington area had a strange weather pattern. On paper, there was more than enough moisture but the rain was concentrated and many trees may experienced “drought conditions” periodically. Depending on the health of the tree, it would have been able to efficiently store nutrients and will be just fine. But, for many, this was stressful and probably will reduce the overall color on a lot of trees.
September is also a big factor. We received half the rain as normal. The early cold spell was good to accelerate the change but those few 90 degree days may have put stress on the “jump starters”. Not to mention you could argue we are in a mini-drought right now but this may change soon (as of 10/5/17).
Our guess is that this year will be “spotty” with the healthier trees still having some pop and certain species and older trees providing most of the show.
The movie style, drive down a brightly colored street is probably not going to happen but the overall contrast may be pretty interesting because there will be a drastic difference between the healthy trees and less healthy.
September is also a big factor. We received half the rain as normal. The early cold spell was good to accelerate the change but those few 90 degree days may have put stress on the “jump starters”. Not to mention you could argue we are in a mini-drought right now but this may change soon (as of 10/5/17).
Our guess is that this year will be “spotty” with the healthier trees still having some pop and certain species and older trees providing most of the show.
The movie style, drive down a brightly colored street is probably not going to happen but the overall contrast may be pretty interesting because there will be a drastic difference between the healthy trees and less healthy.
Your guess is as good as ours and we’d love to see your reporting. Have a great and happy Autumn!
Summary:
Why they change:
- Healthy and happy trees can be brighter.
- Cool nights in the fall help the faster reduction of Chlorophyll (green color) and give us longer/ brighter colors.
- Trees typically drop their leaves at the same time each year but drought, rain, and wind in the fall can accelerate the shedding and virtually “skip” the bright color time.
Our 2017 Effect:
- Sporadic rain in the summer hurt some trees.
- Early September cool weather helped but late month heat did not.
- Potential storm mid-October will accelerate leaf shedding.
- Probably not the best year for viewing and will be slightly below average.
Other interesting facts (if you’re a dork like us):
- In the Northern Hemisphere- all trees have grown their summer vegetation by June.
- Under the leaves we see this year already exists the following year’s leaf buds
- Speaking of next year- a majority of the carbohydrates in a plant are actually being stored for the following year as well. Next year the tree will work to rebuild for the year after that.
- Unlike spring flowers- The approximate date for the fall change always remains the same. Weather has a greater effect on spring growth timelines.
- Scientist know how and why leaves change color. They still cannot understand why (*although there are some theories- see below).
- For some reason trees don’t keep their leaves during the winter and choose hibernation
*For some reason Trees do not keep their leaves during the winter. Most think this is due to a lack of strong sunlight (which I would personally believe because I know solar panels produce less electricity from direct sunlight in the winter vs. summer- so would my summer sunburn). Other possible causes have to do with typically drought conditions and harsher weather.
This completely non-scientific but we hope it makes for good conversation. I've always been told water has the greatest impact on brightness of leaves. We shall see. EFynch is a home improvement community based in Baltimore and also service the entire Washington D.C. Area. For more information visit www.efynch.com and get in touch with us!
Some of the information above was provided by the USDA. A detailed explanation can be found here.
