The autumn season is a beautiful time of year, as the leaves change colour, and the landscape is blanketed in a brilliant patchwork of vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows.
While the changing of the leaves is a beautiful sight to behold, there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Here are some fascinating facts about trees in autumn:
Changing of leaves
Leaves take on vibrant colours during the autumn months. This is due to a decrease in chlorophyll production – which is what gives leaves their green colour – and an increase in other pigments called carotenoids. Carotenoids are responsible for giving leaves their yellow, orange, and red hues.
The changing of the leaves doesn’t happen all at once. Trees of the same species change colour at different rates, depending on the amount of sunlight they receive and the temperatures they experience. The leaves don’t just change colour, they also change shape. They start to curl up and become more brittle. This helps protect them from damage from the wind and cold.
Tree nutrients
Trees use the nutrients stored in their leaves to survive in the cold seasons. When the leaves fall off, they help to fertilise the soil and the tree absorbs the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium found in the leaves, which helps it stay healthy until the next growing season.
Decrease in the metabolic rate
As temperatures drop, trees start to prepare for winter during the autumn months. During this time, they begin to slow down their metabolic rate and stop producing leaves. This process, known as abscission, helps protect the tree from the cold and lack of sunlight during the winter. The decrease in energy production gives trees a stately, majestic appearance.
Changes of the bark and branches
The branches of trees become silhouetted against the sky and reach out in all directions, giving the trees a unique look. The bark of trees in autumn can also be quite stunning as it begins to darken and become more textured. This is especially noticeable in trees like oak, maple, and birch. The dark, textured bark helps to protect the tree from cold temperatures and other elements.
Trees in autumn are a reminder of the beauty and majesty of nature. As the leaves change colour and the branches become silhouetted against the sky, it’s hard not to be reminded of the power and beauty of nature. These trees are a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the season.
As you take a stroll through a park or your garden and take in the colours and textures of the trees, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of nature and the wonders of the autumn season.
Visit www.justtrees.co.za where the procurement of competitively priced and beautifully grown trees is made easy.