Why Do Trees Change Color in the Fall

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Temperature, light, and water supply can all shape the brightness and duration of fall foliage. In this video, you will learn why leaves change color in the fall and the science behind it!

The best combination for fall leaf color is dry, warm days followed by cool nights without frost or severe winds that might dislodge our colorful leaves.

There are four pigments that give leaves color:
*Chlorophyll – gives leaves their green color during the growing season.
*Carotenoids – are also present during the growing season.
*Anthocyanins – develop with cooler nighttime temperatures and are not present during the growing season.
*Tannins – typically found in oak trees, give leaves a dull brown color. Like anthocyanins, tannins are not present in the growing season.

In the fall, chlorophyll levels dip, allowing carotenoids to be more visible. This gives leaves their yellow color.

While anthocyanins produce red leaves, and carotenoids and anthocyanins produce orange leaves.

You can find a list of the best trees for fall foliage here at blog.davey.com: