Fall Foliage

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer and colder, biochemical processes occur in tree leaves. The veins that carry fluids to and from the leaves gradually close off, trapping sugars in the leaves. This causes them to change colors. These colors depend upon the type of tree.

Here are several common species, with their usual fall leaf color:

Ash Tree:
yellow or maroon



Aspen Tree:
gold

Beech Tree:
yellow to orange

Dogwood Tree:
scarlet to purple


Hickory Tree:
gold to bronze

Oak Tree:
red or brown



Poplar Tree:
golden yellow


Red Maple Tree:
scarlet

Autumn leaves are at their best when we have mild autumn days and cool, crisp evenings, but not below freezing. Frost tends to inhibit the production anthocyanin, a pigment responsible for various shades of red.