For a more comprehensive summary of trees and their fall colors, press the button below. Actually, some say that trees are actually showing their true colors in the fall. During the spring and summer, leaves are green because of chlorophyll, the primary pigment in leaves that allow plants to capture light energy and convert it into food through the process of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll masks the appearance of all other accessory pigments naturally found in the leaves. At the end of the growing season, the chlorophyll starts breaking down, allowing the accessory pigments to show through.
Carotenoids are the pigments that appear as shades of yellow and orange.
Anthocyanins turn leaves the darker reds and purples. Leaf color and the brilliance of the fall display can be very difficult to predict. Along with the accessory pigments, the timing of cold nights and amount of rainfall during the summer and fall will also determine the fall colors. Some other useful resources are listed below.