Leaves change color in autumn due to a fascinating chemical process. During summer, leaves contain high levels of chlorophyll, which gives them their green color. As days get shorter and temperatures cool, trees stop producing chlorophyll, revealing other pigments that were always present:
- Carotenoids produce yellow and orange colors
- Anthocyanins create red and purple hues
- Tannins result in brown colors
This process, called senescence, helps trees conserve energy for winter. The timing and intensity of color changes depend on various factors including temperature, rainfall, and the amount of sunlight.