Why Do The Leaves Change Color in the Fall?

Peak fall foliage in New Hampshire

Autumn is here, and there’s so much to look forward to such as pumpkins everywhere, Halloween decorations, spice-scented candles, and the leaves changing color! From red to yellow to orange to purple, there are so many gorgeous and vibrant colors that will be taking over the trees soon. Especially in beautiful Connecticut, it’s impossible not to be surrounded by the fantastic fall foliage.

But why exactly do the leaves change color this time of year? And why do they fall at all? Here’s the reason for this nature phenomenon: 

Why Do Leaves Fall During Autumn?

It takes a lot of energy and water for trees and plants to maintain healthy leaves, and this water and energy can be hard to come by as the temperatures drop. Winter is cold, dry, and there isn’t as much needed sun for healthy leaf conditions. 

Instead of struggling to hold on to their leaves, trees and plants drop them and seal the spots on the branches where the leaves were attached so that new ones can grow when there’s more sun, water, and optimal weather available.

Why Do Leaves Change Color in Autumn?

The pigment, chlorophyll, is what gives leaves their bright green color. Chlorophyll is essential for plants to make food from sunlight. Trees and plants make a lot of this chlorophyll during the warmer seasons, but as the temperatures start to drop and the sun is out for less time, they have to stop this production.

When autumn starts and the weather gets colder, trees and plants instead break down the chlorophyll into smaller molecules until it goes away entirely, and new pigments begin to show, like yellow and red. The colors will change just before the leaves fall off.

Home Exterior Care in Connecticut

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help your home’s exterior look and perform its best this fall season! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.

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