It’s that time of year again to start seeing that beautiful fall foliage! We’re lucky to live in such a colorful state, and it’s beginning to get to that time when the leaves start changing to that stunning autumnal look. But have you ever wondered why your tree leaves change color in the fall?
When out of season, color changes in tree leaves can be a cause for concern. For instance, some people see yellow in their trees during the spring, which could be due to an iron deficiency in the soil. Some leaves can even turn a brownish-rusty color, which is typically a sign of winter kill.
However, seasonal chemical changes in tree leaves are vastly different than if they’re changing due to health issues.
We all know that once summer ends, the nights start to get longer. But did you know that as the nights grow longer, a process called photosynthesis occurs in tree leaves?
This causes chlorophyll production (the leaves’ food storage that keeps it looking green) to slow down in autumn, then eventually comes to a stop, leaving the natural sugars behind.
Denver Tree Leaves
Chlorophyll production slows during this season because trees are preparing themselves for the dormant season by hardening so as to protect themselves against the harsh winter conditions. While we sometimes associate these changes with a tree’s “death”, this is only a natural part of a tree’s life.
Additionally, we’re also at a higher altitude here in Denver, meaning that even in the winter, we still have a higher presence of the sun and its brightness.
Because of this extra brightness combined with the natural remaining sugars in the tree leaves, we’re able to see the brilliant yellow, orange, and red hues we’ve become so fond of.
And this time of year is only the beginning. If you’re looking for more colorful views of Colorado’s fall foliage, here are a few places to head to if you’re looking for a scenic journey of autumn trees.
Now, if you’re still concerned about the way your tree’s leaves are changing colors, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re happy to give free estimates to ensure you get the proper treatment your tree needs to stay healthy all year long.
While the fall foliage is gorgeous, we don’t want your tree looking like that the rest of the year.
This is also the time to think about winter pruning. While it’s remarkable to watch the leaves change color and fall, it’s just as amazing to watch your tree begin to sprout again in the spring, and winter pruning helps encourage healthy regrowth of tree leaves after the winter.
We even offer winter watering services. While we do get snow during the winter here, it may not be enough, or it’s likely that the soil is too hard for the tree roots to absorb it properly. We can take care of these services for you to ensure your trees stay healthy.
Our licensed arborists know what it takes to make sure your trees are healthy despite the seasons and are knowledgeable about what your trees need in our Colorado terrain. And with insurance and up-to-date certifications, you can rest assured that your trees are safe in our hands.
So if you’re looking to keep your trees healthy throughout the fall and winter seasons, give us a call at (303) 806-8733 for a free estimate, or check out our website to learn more about our services.
