BEYOND IMAGININGS

Each year, between September and late October, we satiate ourselves in the beauty of the autumn colors. The mix of reds, purples, oranges and yellows result from processes that occur in the tree as the seasons change from summer to fall to winter.

Beginning in the spring and throughout the summer, the leaves manufacture and contain a 'banquet' of natural chemicals necessary for the tree's growth and health. Chlorophyll is one of these chemicals and is responsible for giving the leaf its green color. This extraordinary chemical absorbs from sunlight the energy that is used to convert carbon dioxide and water to carbohydrates, such as sugars and starch.

This green coloring, or pigment, is accompanied by yellow and orange pigments. At the same time, other chemical changes may occur, which form additional colors through the development of red anthocyanin pigments. Some mixtures give rise to the reddish and purplish fall colors of trees such as dogwoods and sumacs, while others give the sugar maple its brilliant orange.

These varied pigments are cloaked by great amounts of green pigment most of the year. But in the fall, because of shorter days and lowering temperatures, the leaves stop the food-manufacturing process. The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color fades, and the other pigments/colors surface and give the leaves their fall grandeur.

The intensity and the extent of color in fall foliage is determined by the amounts of light, rainfall and temperature they are exposed to. Just-above freezing temperatures will support the formation of anthocyanin, composing the bright reds in maples. However, an early frost will weaken the brilliant reds. Rainy or overcast days tend to increase the intensity of fall colors. The best time to enjoy the autumn color would be on a clear, dry and cool (not freezing) day.

Enjoy this grandeur; it only occurs for a short period each autumn.