As fall arrives, one of the most beautiful sights in nature is the changing colors of all the leaves. It’s that time of year when the always green leaves turn into bright shades of red, orange, yellow, and sometimes even purple. But have you ever wondered why or how this happens?
The process starts when trees stop producing chlorophyll, the thing that makes leaves green. Chlorophyll helps leaves absorb sunlight for photosynthesis but when days get shorter and temperatures cool down, trees don’t need as much photosynthesis as they would in the summer. As the usual green color fades, the classic fall colors like yellow and orange start to show. These are from carotenoids. In some trees, red and purple colors appear thanks to certain pigments called anthocyanins.
This change is more than just a pretty display, because it actually helps trees get ready for winter. By letting their leaves go, trees can save energy and water during the cold months, protecting themselves from freezing temperatures.
Watching the leaves change is a favorite fall activity for many people. Last week I packed up the car and headed to the mountains and found myself amongst the beauty in Vail. The colors were so bright and vibrant and seemed to stretch on for miles. It’s a reminder of how amazing nature is and how everything moves in cycles. It’s also a sign that the Holiday season is near, and that is something everyone should enjoy.
In Colorado, the scenery and nature views are amazing. All the trees right now are displaying the turning of the seasons. Seeing the different colors is the best part of celebrating Halloween and the Fall. However, get ready because in just a few months, the leaves will completely disappear, signifying yet another season is among us. Make sure you watch closely, because it happens right before we know it.
