Autumn trees make gardens, parks and city streets shine in vivid shades of yellow, gold, bronze, red, purple and copper transforming the landscape into something fascinating. At the same time some trees remain green, others change the color very slowly. So why does it happen?
It’s important to note that not all trees change color. This is what makes the difference between a conifer and deciduous trees (oak trees, elm trees, maple trees ). Conifer trees are the ones that bear cones and have those needle-like leaves.They are spruce trees, pine trees, the Christmas tree type of trees.
Environmental factors are very important for changing a color. In countries with a mild climate, where the daily temperatures do not jump extremely high and where the seasons change softly, trees receive the signal more softly and they might keep the green colors longer.
Health factor we should take into consideration . It is about the tree's condition. Leaves have color because of chemicals. Premature leaf color change is a reliable indicator of failing health, and the worse a tree’s condition, the sooner it begins to turn. For example, tree roots can run out of moisture in a drought due to heat conditions.All the starches stored in the affected portions of the root system root are lost, so the tree has less energy the following year. But that’s when it needs extra energy to re-grow its roots. And because its roots are compromised, the tree can’t get adequate water and nutrients to produce pigments.If a branch or section of a tree has turned while the rest is green, probably one or more major root flares have been damaged, either mechanically or by disease.
The spectacular autumn trees display can last several weeks, or end rapidly with the onset of an early frost .So cherish this beauty while it lasts.
