The Foliage Network

So apparently there is an ENTIRE website devoted to fall foliage which by the way is yet another reason why I LOVE the fall.  As you can see we are starting to approach some of the best leaves of the season here in the Baltimore/DC region; the colors have been great thus far so I am excited for the coming weeks!

So why do the leaves change colors?  During the fall months, the days become shorter and the weather cooler (duh) which means that the leaves stop their normal food production process.  When the chlorophyll breaks down, the green color of the leaves fade way and the fall hues begin to pop  If there is an early frost, the colors will weaken; above freezing temperatures will allow anthocyanin formation which produces the red coloring.

So why do leaves fall off the tree?  When the colors begin to change, the leaf develops a layer of cells between the stem and the tree.  Over time the leaf will begin to detach itself, until it finally falls from its own weight and/or the wind.