Autumn is here and that means we are eagerly waiting for the trees to change into those brilliant fall colors. In Missouri, road trips to see these beautiful reds, oranges, and purples are popular with locals and tourists alike.
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But why do trees change color in the fall? And how do you determine what changes are normal or not?
A Chemical Process Takes Place That Changes Leaf Color
When trees are green in the summer the leaves contain a pigment called chlorophyll. This pigment is what we see when the absorbs the colors of sunlight except for green. Chlorophyll is also what trees use to generate foods necessary for their growth by transforming carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates, sugars, and starches.
When the weather changes, the tree senses the changes in daylight and temperature and stops this food-making process. As a result, the chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down and other pigments like orange and red become visible to the eye.
When Is Color Change In Trees Not Normal In Trees?
As beautiful as those fall colors are it’s important to know when color changes in your trees aren’t normal. Sudden changes in color and leaf drop can be an indication that your tree is fighting a condition like:
To determine the cause of sudden and unusual color changes in your leaves, contact the experts at Hansen’s Tree Service. Our ISA-certified arborists will come to your home for an inspection to determine the cause of abnormal leaf discoloration. Then they will give you treatment recommendations based on their findings.
When it comes to the health of your trees, you can trust Hansen’s Tree Service. We are a trusted, certified, and insured tree care service serving the St. Louis, Missouri area since 1988.