Nature often tells us when the seasons have changed, like when the first snow falls in the fall or when the smell of new flowers (and yellow pollen-covered cars) signals the start of spring.
And nothing announces the arrival of autumn like the brilliance and splendor of fall foliage. In North Carolina, the beautiful colors first burst forth from our western peaks. Striking sun-kissed shades of orange, yellow, and red flow like color waves from the mountains to the piedmont and then to the coastal plain. Fall is in full swing.
Fall landscapes are beautiful, like freshly painted canvases made by trillions of leaves changing colors at the same time. But have you ever thought about why or how leaves turn those bright reds, oranges, and yellows? What kind of magic does Mother Nature use?
In this episode of Homegrown, we talk to Bob Bardon, Ph.D., so be like a tree and leave it to us. D. , forestry and environmental resources expert with NC State University, for the facts on fall foliage. Join us as we discover the science behind nature’s annual autumn art show!.
There’s nothing quite like the sight of autumn trees with falling leaves. As summer fades into fall, deciduous trees prepare for the coming winter by shedding their leaves in a dazzling display of color. Reds, yellows oranges and browns decorate the landscape, creating a visual treat for all who witness it. In this article we’ll explore the wonders of autumn trees, from why leaves change color to the symbolism behind these seasonal spectacles.
Why Leaves Change Color in Autumn
Leaf color is always present in leaves, but masked by green chlorophyll during the growing season. In autumn, when days grow shorter and temperatures drop, deciduous trees begin to shut down their food production systems. The chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, allowing the vivid yellow and orange colors of carotenoids to shine through. Red and purple anthocyanins also begin to appear, created by the accumulation of sugars in leaf cells. This yearly cycle provides a farewell splash of color before the leaves drop to the ground.
The Process of Leaf Fall
How do leaves actually detach and tumble from their branches? Leaves are held onto trees by bundles of vascular tissue called leaf stems or petioles. In autumn, a layer of special corky cells called the abscission layer forms at the base of each petiole blocking the flow of water and minerals to the leaf. The leaves then change color as chlorophyll disappears. Finally the abscission layer seals completely, and the weakened petiole detaches, sending the leaf drifting earthward.
Enjoying the Fall Foliage
The blazing colors of autumn leaves bring joy to many people as an annual spectacle of nature. Leaf peeping refers to the recreational activity of traveling to view the stunning fall colors. Prime leaf peeping locations include the northern states across North America, and parts of Europe and Asia with deciduous forests. Peak foliage season varies based on latitude, elevation, and weather, but runs from September through November in most areas. Popular leaf peeping destinations get quite crowded on weekends!
Capturing Autumn’s Beauty
Artists have long been enamored with rendering the magic of fall foliage. Painters like Vincent Van Gogh often featured swirling yellow leaves in their landscapes and still lifes. Photographers also love shooting the seasonal dazzle, whether with drone aerial views or macro close-ups. And craftspeople use pressed leaves to adorn everything from scrapbooks to wood burnings. Instagram is flooded each autumn with jaw-dropping photos hashtagged #fallcolors and #autumnleaves.
Symbolism of the Season
In literature and poetry, falling autumn leaves symbolize the cycles of life, death, and renewal. Their bittersweet beauty represents aging and mortality, as trees prepare for winter dormancy. Yet we understand that new leaves will eventually sprout anew each spring. Ancient Celtic cultures believed that fall was a time when the veil between the spirit world and earth was at its thinnest. In Greek mythology, Autumn was the daughter of Zeus representing the seasons. No matter your culture or beliefs, it’s easy to appreciate autumn symbolizing both an ending and a new beginning.
Famous Dramatic Displays
Some locations around the world are especially renowned for their breathtaking autumn leaf displays owing to their vibrant intensity or sheer magnitude.
The Catskill Mountains, New York
With dozens of hiking trails past blazing birches and maples, it’s easy to enjoy spectacular views across this region north of New York City. Peak colors happen in mid-October. Photographers love Catskill spots like Kaaterskill Falls and North-South Lake.
The Ancient Platanus, Greece
Europe’s oldest living thing is this majestic plane tree on the Greek Peloponnese peninsula, estimated at 2,000 to 3,000 years old. In autumn it becomes a flaming orange beacon, surrounded by falling leaves.
Central Park, New York City
This iconic urban park turns ablaze with color in October, with vibrant leaves on the many oak, maple and ash trees found throughout its 341 hectares. Fiery fall foliage frames famous landmarks like the Belvedere Castle.
Fragrant Hills Park, Beijing
During Beijing’s autumn, this sprawling park becomes a sought-after scenic spot, with its forested peaks covered in red and yellow leaves. Visitors flock to the Red Maple Garden and Azure Clouds Temple to admire the fiery colors.
High Park, Toronto
Canada’s largest urban park contains a dazzling oak forest that transforms into a kaleidoscope of autumn hues each fall. People love the colors surrounding Grenadier Pond, the park’s popular off-leash dog area.
Other Trees with Colorful Fall Foliage
Though oaks, maples, aspens, birches and beeches dominate many fall landscapes, other less common species put on their own versions of autumn’s colorful display.
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Sourwood trees sport drooping leaves that shift from green to flaming red. Their warm colors light up mountainsides across the Appalachians.
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Ginkgo trees are real stunners, with fan-shaped leaves radiating sunny yellows. Watch them carpet urban city sidewalks.
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Sweetgum trees hold on to their star-shaped leaves, which gradually evolve from green to vibrant purples, yellows and reds.
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Pepperbush shrubs coat wetlands in red foliage, standing out vividly amid other plants that just turn brown.
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Tamaracks are unique conifers that turn golden yellow, often mingling with typical fall hues in boreal forests.
Fall Foliage Around the World
While North America and China are famous for fall colors, vibrant autumn leaves can be enjoyed across other regions too. Here are some top global spots:
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Kamchatka, Russia – Volcanic peaks ringed with larches and birches in golden fall garb.
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Patagonia, Argentina – Bright Southern beech trees shine like yellow flames among fall forests.
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Val d’Orcia, Tuscany – Hillside vineyards framed by orange and red leaves.
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Kyoto, Japan – Blazing maple trees ring temples and line rivers.
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High Tatras, Slovakia – Rustic mountain trails under vivid autumn canopies.
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Paklenica Canyon, Croatia – Towering gorges with yellow autumn hues.
Fun Facts About Autumn Leaves
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Leaves start changing color from the top of the tree canopy down. Lower leaves get less sunlight so their chlorophyll breaks down more slowly.
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Sunny fall days and cool (not freezing) nights produce the most vivid autumn colors.
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In some years, unusual weather patterns can cause poor fall foliage due to warm spells, drought or heavy rain.
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Leaves change color faster and more dramatically in the northern and high altitude parts of a tree’s range.
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Trees reuse some of the nitrogen and minerals reabsorbed from leaves before they drop in autumn.
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Fallen leaves make an insulating blanket on the ground to protect tree roots from hard frosts.
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Leaf litter also enriches and nourishes the soil as it decays.
Celebrating Autumn’s Paintbox
Beyond their ecological roles, autumn’s collage of falling leaves simply fills the heart with joy. Their ephemeral beauty reminds us to appreciate each passing moment. So bundle up, grab some cocoa, and head out this year to revel in the blazing glory of autumn trees in their full colorful splendor!
Fall Foliage Prediction Map Explore the
When it comes to North Carolina, the leaves change colors first in the mountains, sometimes as early as September. The colors move from west to east across the state from October to November, making the best impression of a wave.
Peak colors can be seen in different parts of the state for about six weeks, from when the mountains first reach them to when the leaves change in the coastal plain.
The Leaves They Are A-Changin’
When it comes to the leaves turning colors, you may have noticed that some fall seasons are better than others. That’s because this seasonal spectacle is directly related to temperature and day length, starting in summer. Weather conditions are very important. For bright colors, cool nights, sunny days, and lots of rain are key.
When the days get shorter and the temperature drops, trees know it’s time to get ready for a kind of winter hibernation. The trees make less and less chlorophyll, a green pigment. Over time, it fades away, revealing the pigments that were already there. Source:
The color and vibrance of leaves each fall vary depending on the type of tree. For example, the leaves of red oak and sugar maple trees turn a deep red and orange color. The leaves of birch, hickory, and cherry trees turn a bright yellow and orange color.
Beta-carotene, the same pigment that makes carrots orange, is one of the most common carotenoids found in leaves. Other ever-present pigments in leaves, called flavonols, also contribute to the yellow color of egg yolks. Anthocyanins are the pigments that give leaves their rich red color. They are made when the sugars in leaves break down in the bright fall sunlight.
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What does a red maple tree look like in autumn?
Red maple is known for its brilliant foliage in autumn, which makes it a widely planted favorite. This tree features something red in each season—brilliant foliage in autumn, red buds in winter, red flowers in spring, and red leafstalks in summer.
Why do trees change color in autumn?
Autumn, also known as ‘leaf season’, is nature’s annual color festival. The environmental factors and the genetic makeup of the trees determine the intensity and times of peak color, which varies from tree to tree and region to region. Here are 8 of our favorite trees for fall color.
What happens when tree leaves fall?
When tree leaves fall, they are not wasted. They decompose and restock the soil with nutrients, making up part of the spongy humus layer of the forest floor that absorbs and holds rainfall. Fallen leaves also become food for numerous soil organisms vital to the forest ecosystem.
Which maple tree should you plant in the fall?
Sugar maple ( Acer saccharum)- Perhaps the most famous maple tree, the tall sugar maple is best known for its sweet syrup. Fall color is another reason to plant one, since as summer ends, the leaves turn amazing shades of yellow, burnt orange, and red. Plant it in hardiness zones 3 through 8.